Pinoys rage versus SP Sotto

FILIPINOS did not take kindly to the remark made by Senate President and vice-presidential aspirant, Sen. Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III, last December 14, 2021, on the decision of Pres. Duterte to formalize before the Commission on Elections his withdrawal of his candidacy for the Senate in next year’s national elections.

“It takes a wise man to sacrifice something that he loves and give way to others who can serve our country better,’’ Sotto said in a statement released by his office (see also Pinoy Exposé, Volume 2, Issue No.48).

However, Sotto’s condescending remark was met by a barrage of criticisms in social media, after it was posted by Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), along with his photo on the same day. SMNI is a known pro-government private news network.

A careful browse by Pinoy Exposé on the comments made by Pinoy netizens showed that of the first 150 comments/reactions out of the 1,510 comments/reactions made by netizens as of this writing, only one comment, from ‘Leonardo Cruz,’ supported Sotto’s statement about Pres. Duterte; the rest are expressions of support for Pres. Duterte and his leadership in the last 5 years.

Most of the reactions also dared Sotto to also withdraw from the vice-presidential race with the majority also daring him to present his accomplishments during his two-full terms in the Senate totaling 24 years. One Senate term is equivalent to 6 years.

Sotto was first elected to the Senate in 1992 and served until 2004. He was re-elected in 2010 and again in 2016.

Sotto has been serving as Senate President since his election that now covers two Congresses, the 17^th and 18^th Congress. Below are some of the comments chosen at random:

“Mr. Senator, if PRRD did not withdraw and he becomes a senator, he can serve this country better. He has already proven it, eh, kayo,” asked, Nenita Vivas Tapia.

“The comedian is performing his antics again,” said Armin Garcia. “So far, Duterte served the country better per se.

“You are one of the longest staying politico but nothing tangible good works you’ve done for the people so they (can have) meals on their table, a roof on their head, a stable job to rely on except your lousy joke,” Garcia added.

As for Paul Gamboa, he urged Sotto and other re-electionist senators to instead withdraw their respective candidacies next year, saying, “You and the current re-electionist members of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee should withdraw your candidacy as well to give way to others who can serve our country better.”
“Insensitive remark from a man who has done nothing for our country,” added Ma. Teresa Castro, referring to Sotto’s quote.

A clearly irritated Manuel Pogoy posted in capital letters, “So very sorry, lolo. You’re already half of your life in the Senate. Have you ever served better (to) the Filipinos? My goodness, you’re talking nonsense and out of your mind. Think twice before you talk.

“What can a nation expect (from) an ordinary comedian who (is) only polishing the seat (in the Senate).”

“Then give way too for others who can serve better, Mr. Senator,” said Sally Montanez.

With his term at the Senate at an end, Sotto h as decided to seek the vice-presidential position as the running mate to Sen. Panfilo Lacson in next year’s elections.

Lacson had twice sought the presidency but lost, in 2004 and in 2016. In 2016, because of his poor showing in all pre-poll surveys, Lacson dropped his presidential ambition and decided to run for the Senate where he won along with Sotto.

Both are again lagging behind in all pre-poll surveys for president and vice-president, respectively, which are being topped repeatedly by former senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong/BBM’ Marcos Jr and Davao City mayor Sara Duterte.