Netizens hit Sotto’s past blunders as he takes over Senate

MANILA, Philippines – Senators on Monday, May 21, elected Vicente Sotto III as the new Senate president, and some Filipinos took to social media to air their dismay and outrage.

The Senate veteran has been a frequent subject of online scrutiny. In an interview with Rappler, he even called himself “social media’s favorite whipping boy.”

Netizens lived up to this expectation on Monday as they hit the Senate’s leadership change, saying that it has practically killed the Senate’s moral compass.

 Sotto reactions – Curated tweets by rapplerdotcom

Netizens also mocked the decision, creating memes and reminders of the senator’s past scandals, including accusations of plagiarism, misogyny, and his supposed cover-up of the Pepsi Paloma rape case. (READ: Tito Sotto and the blurry lines of showbiz, politics)

 Sotto reactions 2

Some, however, remain hopeful. Others reminded people that Sotto is one of the longest-serving senators, making him knowledgeable about the chamber’s inner workings and procedures.

Just a subtle reminder that Sen Sotto has been attending all senate sessions with zero absents or late despite other non senate activities. He is very well verse with parliamentary procedures and with long experience in the upper house.

— Clar (@ClarTanganco) May 21, 2018

Sotto is an obvious choice. He is the most senior in the Senate, has spent almost his entire political career as a Senator, a permanent fixture at the Senate Hall, earned his way fair and square to become the Majority Floor Leader. He worked hard and waited in line so to speak.

— TishaCM (@TishaCM) May 21, 2018

There’s a lot of work to go, congrats Sen. Sotto as newly elected Senate chief.

— Gerry Yabes (@gerryyabes) May 21, 2018

Sir @sotto_tito we believed that GOD appointed you to be the Senate President
Daniel 2: 21He controls the course of world events;he removes kings and sets up other kings.He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars
Praying for the guidance of the holy spirit for you

— Ranneahses (@RansesSebastian) May 21, 2018

Now that Sen. Tito Sotto is the new Senate President, he should be careful on uttering words that would degrade the humanity of other people. I am very hopeful that the new Leader of the Senate will always be fair for the sake of the justice system and for the people. pic.twitter.com/6xikH1QjOc

— Manu Valle (@valle_manu) May 21, 2018

How do you feel about Sotto’s election as Senate president? Let us know in the comments below! – Rappler.com