MANILA -- Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said Tuesday that he is willing to work with Senator-elect Robin Padilla on the issue of federalism.

Pimentel continues to advocate for the dream of his father, the late PDP-Laban founder Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr, to change the country’s current presidential-bicameral form of government to federalism.

• Federalism may not be the answer to regional inequality in PH: analyst
• Nene Pimentel, one of PH’s earliest advocates of federalism

Padilla, a neophyte lawmaker, has reportedly requested to chair the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes so he could push for his federalist advocacy.

• 'Kaya mo ba ito?' Zubiri to ask Robin Padilla on ability to lead key Senate committees
• Zubiri on Robin Padilla: 'Let's give him a chance'

“Yes, I am willing to work hand-in-hand with Senator Robin Padilla on federalism. But I will listen first to his explanation of the federalism model he is espousing,” Pimentel said.

He said he has yet to speak with actor-turned-politician on his push for federalism.

The last time that he was able to talk to Padilla was during the 2019 campaign for then-senatorial candidate Christopher “Bong” Go, Pimentel said.

There are five PDP-Laban senators in the Senate in the incoming 19th Congress: Pimentel, Padilla, Go, Francis Tolentino, and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

Pimentel belongs to a faction he co-leads with outgoing Sen. Manny Pacquaio, while the others are part of the camp led by outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte and Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

When asked if he will support Padilla's push for a federal form of government, Dela Rosa said, "Aaralin pa natin nang husto.” (We will study it further.)

• ‘Mag-aral nang mabuti’: Zubiri tells Padilla on possible committee chairmanship

RELATED STORY:

Watch more News on iWantTFC