Senator Sotto turns over bust of late grandpa on his 141st birthday

AMONG those present during the turnover ceremony were Cebu City Councilor Margot Osmeña, Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Sen. Vicente Sotto III and Cebu City North District Rep. Raul del Mar.
CDN PHOTO/ROSALIE ABATAYO

THE Sotto clan headed by Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III turned over the bust of his late grandfather Don Vicente Yap Sotto to the Cebu City Museum yesterday.

The turnover was done to commemorate the 141st birthday of the deceased senator who was the main author of the Press Freedom Law (now known as the Sotto Law, Republic Act No. 53). The Sotto Law protects journalists from being compelled to name their news sources.

Senator Sotto said there are Filipinos who fought for the Philippine independence but their names and roles are not extensively mentioned or even discussed in the history books. He said his grandfather is one of those unsung heroes.

“We should shine [a] light on some of their acts,” he added.

Sotto believes that the courage displayed by other “staunch freedom fighters” will inspire the youth.

Cebu City Councilor Margarita Osmeña, who is also chairperson of the Cultural and Historical Affairs Committee, said in her welcome address “Somebody just whispered to me earlier that the Senator (referring to Senator Sotto) was complaining that he had never seen a picture of his grandfather.

Perhaps, it’s because he took it to himself what he was doing very seriously and I’m sure he would smile today seeing that after 141 years, he’s still being remembered,” /MARTHY JOHN LUBIANO, Palompon Institute of Technology Intern