Andanar won’t exclude Uson from campaign to promote federalism

Despite her controversial video, Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson will not be “excluded” from the government’s campaign to promote federalism, her boss said on Tuesday.

Uson drew the ire of critics from various sectors, including legislators, after she posted a video of her friend dancing to the tune of a federalism jingle that many consider vulgar.

READ: ‘I-pepe-dede-ralismo’ video sparks outrage

Despite this, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said no one would be excluded from the campaign.

Asked specifically about Uson’s participation in the campaign, Andanar said: “Asec mocha…you know, nobody is excluded from this.”

“It’s everyone’s right to join the campaign for federalism. I’m not excluding anyone,” he told reporters in an interview at the Senate.

Reminded about calls to keep Uson away from the federalism campaign, Andanar said: “No one is being asked to stay away. Federalism is for every Filipino, it’s for the entire country. I believe that as long as the message discipline is there…”

When asked again if he thinks Uson could still help promote federalism, he said: “Oh, yeah. I think so.”

Andanar’s statement contradicted Senator Aqulino “Koko” Pimentel III’s call for Uson to take a leave and stay away from the campaign.

Pimentel is president of the ruling PDP-Laban, which has been advocating the shift to federalism.

’Di ko lubos akalain na bababuyin pala nila ang kawsa ng Pederalismo. Ilayo na si Mocha sa Pederalismo. Mag-aral muna siya ng mabuti. Mag leave muna siya,” Pimentel earlier said.

(I never thought they would tarnish the cause of federalism. Mocha should be taken out of the campaign to promote federalism. She should study hard first or take a leave.)

READ: Koko to Mocha: Keep off federalism campaign, take a leave

Andanar said a new jingle on federalism is being finalized and would be available hopefully by Wednesday. /ee