Pimentel to Uson: ‘Stay away from federalism, take a leave, study hard’

“Ako ay nagkamali! Akala ko makakatulong si Mocha sa pagpapaliwanag tungkol sa Pederalismo,” [I was wrong. I thought that Mocha will be helpful in explaining federalism],” Pimentel said in a text message.

This was the senator’s reaction to Uson’s controversial “Pepe-dede-ralismo” video where a male blogger, identified as Drew Olivar, made a dance number.

Pimentel, together with his father, former Senate president Aquilino Pimentel Jr., have been advocates of federalism for years.

“Kasi naman ang pagka-intindi ko ay hindi naman siya ang in-charge kundi isang tao na mas meron otoridad at kaalaman sa Pederalismo tulad ng mga miembro ng Consultative Committee [My understanding was she is not the one in charge but someone who has authority and knowledge about federalism like members of the Consultative Committee],” he said.

“Di ko lubos akalain na bababuyin pala nila ang kawsa ng Pederalismo [I never thought that they will bastardize the advocacy behind federalism],” he said.

Pimentel added, “Ilayo na si Mocha sa Pederalismo. Mag-aral muna siya nang mabuti. Mag leave muna siya [Put Mocha away from federalism. She must first study hard. She must take a leave of absence].”

The senator said that he was “disappointed that the best and the brightest appointed to this government can come up with only that kind of b——t.”

“Even without the dance and the song, listen to the statement they read. Mali mali pa ang substance! [The substance was distorted],” Pimentel added.

Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd said, “Theatrical techniques will not work to explain a very serious and high falluting issue such as federalism.”