Debating in English is fine, but Senator-elect Tulfo prefers Tagalog

Senator-elect Raffy Tulfo speaks with reporters before attending a legislative process briefing in the Senate on Monday, June 27, 2022. (Photo by Albert Calvelo/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines – Senator-elect Raffy Tulfo said he would prefer debating in Tagalog or Filipino, citing that many of his subscribers, viewers, and followers are not well-versed in the English language.

“English [or] Tagalog pwede. Pwede ako sa English, pwede ako sa Tagalog. Pero I prefer habang maari is Tagalog kasi karamihan sa subscribers ko, viewers ko, followers ko e hindi masyado sila nakakaintindi,” Tulfo, an incoming first time senator, told reporters in the Senate before attending a legislative process briefing.

(I can do it in English or Tagalog. But I prefer, as much as possible, Tagalog since many of my subscribers, viewers, and followers do not understand English that much.)

“So bakit ako magi-spokening samantalang yung mga bumoto sa akin hindi ako maintindihan… ‘Ibinoto kita dyan hindi para mag spokening sa amin, binoto ka namin para maintindihan namin ang pinagsasabi mo dyan’,” he added.

(So why will I speak in English when those who voted for me can’t even understand me…’We voted for you not for you to speak in English, we voted for you so we can understand what you’re saying there.)

But if needed, Tulfo said he is willing to debate in English.

“Tama si Sen Robin (Padilla), I agree with him pero kung kinakailangang mag English ako, mage-English ako, pero kung kinakailangang mag-Tagalog para maintindihan ng lahat e magta-Tagalog ako o TagLish,” he added.

(Robin Padilla is right, I agree with him but if I need to speak in English, I will, but if I need to speak in Tagalog so more people will understand me, I will do so or I can use TagLish.)

Earlier, actor and Senator-elect Robin Padilla said he will communicate in Tagalog since he will be facing Filipino legislators and “not Americans.”

After his interview with reporters, Tulfo attended a legislative process briefing with Senate Secretariat officials led by Deputy Secretary for Legislation Atty. Edwin Bellen.

Tulfo was briefed about plenary procedures and committee level processes.

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