MANILA – Pulse Asia’s March survey for vice presidentiables seemed too close to call.
The differences in the ratings of the top five probable vice presidential candidates were too small, indicative of a possible tight race.
But if track record were to be made as basis, then among the contenders Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto would be leaving the others biting the dust although third in the survey.
Sotto has almost 25 years of experience in public service – the most among his possible rivals. Following the 2016 elections, he is currently serving his fourth term in the Senate, having served two consecutive terms from 1992 to 2004.
He was re-elected to the Senate in 2010.
A television network reported that Sotto was discussing with “some groups” about possibly running for vice president.
“We are still talking about it,” Sotto told CNN Philippines in a message when asked if he was eyeing the post in the 2022 elections.
The most recent and relevant bills Sotto filed were the pandemic-responsive Bayanihan 1 and 2 , as well as the medical scholarship act which will give deserving students free financial assistance in pursuit of their dream of becoming doctors.
Prior to serving in the Senate, Sotto had served from 1988 to 1992 as vice mayor of Quezon City, the biggest city in the country.
In contrast, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno – who topped the list of preferred vice presidential candidates with 16 percent – was elected mayor just this 2016 although he had been vice mayor and councilor before.
Tied in the second spot in the survey were Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Davao City mayor Sara Duterte with 15 percent each.
Pacquiao entered public service only in 2010 as congressman of Saranggani. He was elected senator just this 2016.
Duterte, on the other hand, entered public service only in 2007 as vice mayor of Davao.
Tied with Sotto in the third spot was former senator Bongbong Marcos, who lost the vice presidency to Leni Robredo in 2016, with the results upheld by the Presidential Electoral Tribunal that junked his election protest.
The filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2022 elections is set for October./PN
