Discuss federalism in a serious manner, Roque says after Mocha's 'ipederalismo' dance

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday said federalism should be discussed in a sober manner amid criticisms against the controversial 'ipederalismo' dance featured in Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson's online show.

"Siguro dun sa ginawa niya, iniisip niya ito 'yung mabuting pamamaraan para pag-usapan ang federalismo," Roque said in an interview on Unang Balita.

"Pero sa akin po, mas importante po na pag-usapan natin ang pederalismo sa pamamaraan na dapat mas seryoso dahil ito po ang pinakamataas sa batas sa ating bayan at sa Saligang Batas."

Roque said it was important for Filipinos to understand the issues surrounding federalism, possible benefits from changing the mode of government, and why the administration is pushing hard for its passage.

"Importante talaga na ibaba sa linggwahe ng taumbayan kung bakit importante na ibigay ang kapangyarihan at resources dun sa mga lokal na pamahalaan," he said.

Standard training materials will be prepared for trainers who will be involved in the government's P90-million information campaign to prepare them for the task, Roque said.

In a separate interview, Roque admitted that Uson's actions have always courted controversy.

"Alam mo naman si Asec. Mocha, halos lahat ng ginagawa niya kontrobersyal," Roque told radio dzRH.

"So napansin talaga ang pederalismo sa ginawa niya, pero kung sa akin, iba po iyong pamamaraan na gagamitin natin para ipahayag sa taumbayan kung ano ang pederalismo."

Roque has yet to personally speak with Uson on the controversial video but has seen adverse reactions from persons who advocate for federalism.

"Nakakakita na po ako ng mga reaksyon na parang pati po doon sa nagsusulong ng pederalismo ay parang hindi ito yung pamamaraan na nais nilang malaman ng taumbayan ang tungkol sa pederalismo," he said.

The spokesperson said he will leave it to Communications Secretary Martin Andanar to speak with Uson.

Uson received criticism over the video — including from Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, a top advocate for federalism, and Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who said theatricality has no place in explaining federalism.

GMA News Online has sought out Uson's reaction on both Pimentel and Sotto's remarks. —KBK/RSJ, GMA News