Veteran comedian and TV host Vic Sotto has weighed in on the growing public pressure for his son, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, to seek the presidency, noting that the final choice rests solely with the local chief executive.
The elder Sotto pointed out a significant legal barrier to these aspirations: the 1987 Constitution requires presidential candidates to be at least 40 years old on election day.
At 36, Vico remains four years shy of the eligibility threshold for the upcoming cycle.
“The age is not right yet,” the elder Sotto told talent manager Ogie Diaz in a showbiz vlog on Saturday, May 2.
The “Eat Bulaga” mainstay expressed immense pride in his son’s political achievements but remained firm that he would not dictate Vico’s career path.
He observed that public service is a family tradition, citing his brother, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and their grandfather, the late Senator Vicente Sotto.
“Kapag nababanggit si Vico, it’s always praises for him. Siyempre, proud tatay naman ako [pero] as far as I’m concerned, ‘yung desisyon (to run for president), nasa kanya na ‘yun eh,” he remarked.
While Vico is currently serving his third and final term as mayor, Vic suggested his son might take a brief hiatus from the limelight.
“Siguro baka magpahinga lang sandali. And I’m sure [he’ll come] back. ‘Yung serbisyo publiko nasa dugo na niya ‘yun eh,” he added.
Despite the persistent clamor, Mayor Vico Sotto has already dampened expectations for a 2028 run. In a speech delivered in June 2025, he explicitly stated his intention to step away from the polls once his current term concludes.
“[In] 2028, I will not run. I am already telling you this now. That’s why I am free to do what I think is right,” the Mayor previously declared.