Vicente "Tito" Castelo Sotto III (born August 24, 1948) is a Filipino entertainer and politician. He first rose to public attention as a performer and television presenter, and later became a prominent national lawmaker. He has held local office in Quezon City and multiple terms in the Senate of the Philippines.

Entertainment career

Sotto's work in entertainment spans acting, comedy and long-running variety television. He was a familiar face on Philippine television as a host of the popular noontime program Eat Bulaga!, which helped establish his public profile and name recognition beyond politics. His career in show business preceded and ran alongside his public office roles.

Political career and offices

Sotto transitioned from local to national politics over several decades. He served as vice mayor of Quezon City from 1988 to 1992 and was first elected to the Senate in 1992. After serving two consecutive terms until 2004, he returned to the Senate following reelection in 2010. On May 21, 2018 he assumed the post of 29th President of the Senate, replacing fellow senator Koko Pimentel. He was also a national candidate for higher office, appearing on the ticket as a vice presidential candidate in the 2022 elections.

Roles and public profile

Throughout his legislative career Sotto was a high‑visibility figure known for mixing a media personality background with parliamentary duties. He chaired and participated in Senate proceedings and was frequently involved in public debates, receiving both support and criticism at different times. His status made him a central participant in discussions of culture, media and governance.

Legacy and notable facts

Sotto's combined careers in entertainment and politics reflect a common Filipino pattern where public figures move between media and public office. His long tenure as a senator and his service as Senate President mark him as one of the more enduring public figures in contemporary Philippine public life. For further detail on his public record and announcements, consult dedicated governmental and media resources linked above.

  • Full name: Vicente "Tito" Castelo Sotto III
  • Born: August 24, 1948
  • Notable roles: TV host, actor, vice mayor, senator, Senate President