Tito Sen: A Comedian or a Senator?

By Leila Hicarte

Vicente "Tito" Castelo Sotto III, commonly known as 'Tito Sotto'

It’s no secret that Tito Sotto’s political career was propelled by his popularity in the show business more specifically, his presence in then’s favorite noontime show, Eat Bulaga. Since then, he has achieved great heights in the world of politics as he becomes the most senior member of the Senate.

It’s also no secret that he has been judged for this as well. A senator in the morning and a comedian at noon? Not a sentence anyone would have expected to hear. Tito Sen did the unexpected as he juggled senatorial duties and his variety show business. This sparked quite a controversy as people judged his absence during the meetings because he was too busy appearing on tv. Since then, he has initiated a compromise and now only appears on specific days of the week during the senate’s recess. And what a miracle! He also never misses a session now. He says he can’t let go of the variety show because it’s therapeutic and it shaped his whole identity but he has also mentioned that the Senate is his priority alongside his family.

Alongside his attendance controversy, there has been some issues with his statements as well. He’s shown himself to be the President’s ally and that didn’t really sit well with anti-Duterte groups. He has also said disrespectful statements about the LGBTQ community and about women as well. His priorities are also questioned when he opted to comment on the national anthem’s lyrics when there are bigger issues to worry about like China’s occupancy in our lands. Then, there’s this plagiarism issue that lingered around him. With these much articles swirling around him, he’s said that he’s used to it by now and that people should just ignore the ‘bashing’ others do. Pretty wise words that came from him.

The dilemma lies in his worthiness. The Senate is a vital part of our government and we as Filipinos, can’t allow ‘clowns’ to sit on it. So, is Tito Sen a comedian who doesn’t deserve to sit in the Senate? Is he just a comedian who is better suited in the show business throwing impractical jokes? Or is he a pretty decent senator as others have said? I personally don’t think ill of him. I’ve seen worse politicians and I believe he makes some decent statements at some points. At this point we can only sit back and watch as we see if he is truly a man worthy of his titles. As for me, I’ll be needing a lot more convincing to say that he’s an actual senator rather than a comedian sitting in a place that’s not his to take.