Sotto: Federalism jingle ‘must be a joke’ but ‘theatrical techniques’ won’t work

The controversial jingle on federalism “must be a joke” but Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said “theatrical techniques” would not do good to promote federalism.

“Must be just a joke,” Sotto said in a text message when sought for comment on the jingle on federalism with the lyrics:“I-pepe, i-pepe, i-dede, i-dede, i-pepe-pepe-pepederalismo!”

“I’ve been going through the federalism proposal of both the Consultative (Committee) and the PDP-Laban formula for a total now of about 16 hours altogether and what I can say is ‘malapit ko nang maintindihan’,” he said.

“How can a few minutes of entertaining video explain it?” Sotto added.

The Senate leader was referring to the video showing Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson prodding a friend to sing and dance the jingle.

Uson has been tapped by the government to help in its information drive about federalism.

Asked if Uson could still help with the government’s campaign, Sotto said: “Bahala sila to do what they want to do, but I assure you, theatrical techniques will not work to explain a very serious issue.”

Sen. Aqulino “Koko” Pimentel III earlier called on Uson to take a leave and stay away from the federalism campaign.

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

He expressed disgust that such viral video of Uson and her friend could tarnish the causes of federalism, which Pimentel and the ruling PDP-Laban have been advocating.  /kga