Faces of the News: Tito Sotto

Illustration by Rene Elevera

The comedian-turned-politician now joins the ranks of statesmen Jovito Salonga, Gil Puyat, Quintin Paredes, Manuel Roxas and Manuel L. Quezon after his recent election as Senate President.

But hardly had Sotto warmed his seat when a skeptical public began questioning not only his capability but also his integrity to hold such a powerful position in government.

He had been hounded by questions of ethics and accused of having plagiarized parts of his speeches as a senator, accusations he either fiercely denied or nonchalantly brushed aside.

In a bid to be taken more seriously, the senator said he would give up cohosting chores on the noontime show, “Eat Bulaga.”

Elected by members of the majority bloc in the Senate, Sotto vowed to be cooperative, but independent, when it comes to the Duterte administration.