Vico: A chip off dad Vic

Any way you look at him, Vico Sotto is a chip off the old block. He looks like dad Vic, sounds like dad Vic and even laughs like dad Vic.

“Even the shape of our face is the same,” said Vico whose name is a combination of the first syllables of his parents’ names, Vi from Vic and Co from Coney Reyes.

Early next year, Vico will be very visible on the campaign trail around Pasig City where he’s running for councilor with the Grace-Chiz ticket together with Rep. Roman Romulo for senator and Roman’s sister Mons for congresswoman (in the lone district of Pasig City).

Politics is not alien territory to Mons.

“I know my way around,” assured Mons who has worked for Roman and other family members’ politics-related activities, especially those of their father, former Foreign Affairs Sec. Alberto Romulo. Roman’s wife, former Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad, was supposed to run. “But her priority is to get pregnant,” said Mons who revealed that she has been “single-again” for five happy years. “Vico initially wanted to run for vice mayor but we advised him to first run for councilor.”

Asked why politics, Vico said in a phone interview the other day, “I want to be in a position from which I can help contribute to positive change in our country,” said Vico, 26, a Political Science graduate (2011) from Ateneo. “At this point, I think running for a public office is the best way to do it.”

He wasn’t present during the lunch mini-presscon two weeks ago.

After two years in the College of Law, Vico started working for the Quezon City council as Councilor Anjo Yllana’s chief of staff for two years. He’s now with the Ateneo School of Government as project associate (and was on his way to Cebu for a local forum).

Did he get dad Vic’s consent to join politics?

“Yes, we talked about it for quite a time. At first, he didn’t like the idea until I was able to convince him. We made the decision together. No problem with my mom. She’s very supportive.”

Asked further how much of him is Vic and how much is Coney, Vico said, “As far as demeanor is concerned, I am more of my dad, quiet but sometimes makulit din. My mom instilled in me love of God.”

Vico has two half siblings, L.A. (37) and Carla (35), Coney’s other children by her late husband Larry Mumar; and three others, Oyo Boy and Danica (Vic’s children with ex-wife Dina Bonnevie) and Paulina (Vic’s daughter with Angela Luz).

When did he learn that Vic is his dad?

Vico and dad Vic with half-siblings Danica (Vic’s daughter with Dina Bonnevie, second from left) and Paulina (Vic’s daughter with Angela Luz) during Vico and Paulina’s post-graduation dinner. — From Paulina’s Instagram

“Ever since I can remember, he has always been there for me even if we didn’t live in the same house,” said Vico. “He’s a good dad. He’s a very good dad, very kind and very generous not only to me but also to all of us siblings. He’s supportive in everything I want to do.”

Vico admitted that although he’s closer to his siblings from his mom’s side (understandably because they live in the same house and grew up closely together), he’s also okay with his other siblings.

“We all get along well,” he stressed.

Dad Vic is marrying Pauleen Luna reportedly end of January next year. Is Vico attending the wedding?

“Yes, of course.”

As a secondary sponsor (along with his other siblings)?

“Hmmmm, I don’t know. Better to ask my dad na lang,” replied Vico who already has  a suit done.

Is his mom going, too?

“I’m not sure,” Vico said with a mild laugh. “You should ask her na lang. Pero hindi siguro.”

Has he met his soon-to-be stepmom?

“I’ve met her twice during special occasions but we are not really that close.”

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