Even as he worked in the entertainment industry before entering politics, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III agrees that election campaigns should be focused on issues gripping the Philippines, and not on entertaining the crowd.
Sotto, who earlier confirmed his plan to run for vice president, said on Thursday, July 22, he and Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson will elevate the discussions to more pressing matters.
"Wala kaming ganoon, wala kaming iniisip na entertainment, eh (We won't have that in our campaign, we are not thinking of entertainment). We're more or less thinking that we focus on issues," Sotto, a former actor, television host and musician, said in a virtual interview with reporters.
"We'd like to elevate the type of campaigning for 2022, on a different level. Tigilan na 'yong mga entertainment, hindi maganda resulta later on, 'di ba (Let's put an end to forms of entertainment during campaigns, as these do not result in good outcomes)," the veteran lawmaker added.
Lacson previously issued a similar statement, stressing that the country faces serious challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2022 elections, he said, might be the "most important" of the country's polls, so far.
Sotto expressed confidence that he and Lacson's age will not be a hindrance to their election campaigns, especially with the restrictions and health protocols being implemented amid the persisting coronavirus outbreak.
"We can do it," said Sotto, who will turn 73 in August. Lacson is also 73 years old.
"It combination of social media, mainstream media, and then you go around; perhaps...intead of rallies, small townhall meetings. It's easier to control social distancing, and you invite the leaders of the area," he added.
Asked if the Lacson-Sotto tandem would not use a campaign strategy similar to the viral "budots" dance of their colleague, Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., Sotto replied: "I refuse to answer".