Actor and former “Eat Bulaga” host Anjo Yllana clarified that his viral comments about Senate President Tito Sotto having an alleged mistress were never meant to be taken seriously, describing them as a spur-of-the-moment bluff amid online attacks.
Speaking to Pep.ph, Yllana explained that his frustration came after he claimed he was repeatedly targeted by online critics he believed were supporters of Sotto. He linked the backlash to his recent criticisms of government actions.
“Active ako kasi nga hindi naman ako naninira. Nagbi-bigay lang ako ng opinyon saka advice,” he said, noting his comments on alleged corruption in flood control projects. According to Yllana, his views angered “trolls ng ‘Eat Bulaga’” because Sotto is “kaalyado ng present government.”
He added that the pressure intensified when netizens urged him to call out Sotto regarding the longtime senator’s pledge to donate his salary to students. He said Sotto later released a receipt to prove the promise was fulfilled.
Yllana admitted he lost patience and fired back out of irritation.
“Medyo nabuwisit ako. Binluff ko si Tito Sen… Kapag hindi tumigil ‘yan, iaano ko ‘yung mga chicks mo,’” he recalled. “Nangba-bluff lang naman ako. Hindi ko naman akalain na buong Pilipinas, buong mundo, e, magkakagulo!”
Heated call with Sotto brothers
The actor said he later spoke with Sotto’s siblings, Vic and Maru Sotto, who confronted him over the explosive remarks. He acknowledged their anger, saying he understood why the family reacted strongly.
After a tense exchange, the three agreed to tone things down.
“Napagkasunduan namin, ceasefire,” Yllana shared. “Wala na akong sasabihin tungkol kay Tito Sen… namba-bluff lang ako.”
Yllana added that Vic and Maru insisted Tito Sotto does not employ online trolls, though he remained skeptical. He said both sides ended the conversation without offering apologies but reached an agreement to stop further public statements on the matter.
