NEW Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III has shrugged off bashers and vowed to focus only on carrying out his duties and responsibilities.
"I don't mind people calling me a mere comedian. Mahirap magpatawa (It's hard to make people laugh). To think that since 1973 up to the present, they cannot forget the Escalera brothers which only proved that we were effective in our roles. I take everything as a compliment. Anyway, my record will speak for me," Sotto told reporters.
The 69-year old Sotto said that although the bashing is sometimes below the belt, his focus right now is to maintain the dignity of the Senate and to make sure that the upper chamber will do its job to maintain the high survey ratings that they are now enjoying.
Sotto said it is high time that his critics examine his accomplishments and his track record as senator. He cited his perfect attendance and the more than 100 bills that he crafted.
"They know me as a TV Host and comedian. But if you ask them about the Seat Belt law, do you think these people are aware that I was the one behind it? How about the law that gives complete press freedom to journalists?" Sotto said.
Sotto said he does not mind being associated with Eat Bulaga, a long-running noontime variety show.
He said is not offended if some people look down on him because of his showbiz background.
"I would like to look at it the positive way. Eat Bulaga can be classified as a public affairs program masquerading as an entertaining TV show. We are trying to make so many people happy. There is nothing wrong if you try to bring joy to so many people from all walks of life," Sotto said.
Sotto stressed his focus right now is to implement some changes in the Senate including the 3' o'clock habit.
"During the time of the late Senate President Neptali Gonzales, we conducted our business in the session hall 3 pm sharp. We finished so many important bills. Senator (Panfilo) Lacson has been consistent in coming to the session hall regularly on time," Sotto said as he urged his fellow senators to do the same.
Meanwhile, Sotto assured there will be no major changes in the Senate committee chairmanships except for the ethics committee which they already offered to his predecessor, Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III.
The committee on electoral reforms and local government will also be part of the bargaining chips that will be offered to Pimentel as he assured that all other committee chairmanships will remain as it is.
"We don't want to rock the boat. We want to make sure that this Senate is a functional one that will serve the Filipino people and we want to live up to their expectations," Sotto said. (PS Jun Sarmiento/SunStar Philippines)