FORMER Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III defended his decision to donate his Senate salary during his six-year term, brushing off criticisms he described as coming from the “cerebrally challenged.”

Sotto, speaking during campaign sorties of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, reiterated his promise to use his salary to support scholarships.

He clarified that although his salary came from public funds, he considers it within his right to give it away — especially since he himself is a substantial taxpayer.

“To those cerebrally challenged individuals criticizing my decision to donate my Senate salary for six years — first of all, that is mine to give. Though they say it’s taxpayers’ money, they should remember I am also a big taxpayer, likely much more than some of my critics,” he said.

Sotto explained that his decision was rooted in a desire to help underprivileged students and questioned what critics expected of him — to keep the money for himself?

“Should I just keep it in my pocket, knowing there are poor students who could benefit from it?” he added.

He also lamented the tendency of some people to criticize even sincere efforts to help, ending his remarks with:

“Talaga namang may mga taong makapamintas kahit tumutulong ka na! God bless you na lang.”

Sotto, a veteran lawmaker and former Senate President, has long supported various scholarship and aid initiatives.

His remarks have sparked mixed reactions online, with many praising his gesture, while others remain skeptical about the motives behind high-profile donations.