Neophyte senator-elect Robin Padilla on Tuesday said debating with his wife, actress Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, and constantly talking English with his children helped him prepare for deliberations in the Senate.
In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, Padilla said he is 100% ready to assume his post once the 19th Congress opens next month.
When asked if he is ready to debate on the floor, the action star answered, "Ah oo, makikipag-debate ako, pero tagalog. Eh una, hindi naman Amerikano 'yung mga kaharap ko, alangang mag-English ako. Siguro kung Amerikano, 'Well, I'm willing to debate'. Pero mga tagalog sila eh."
[Yes, I will go do debate but in Tagalog. First of all, I'm not facing American so why would I use English. Maybe if American, 'Well, I'm willing to debate." But they were Tagalog.]
He also revealed that he has been having English lessons with his wife and two kids, both still toddlers.
Padilla, who topped the Senate race in this year's polls, is eyed to lead the chamber's constitutional amendments and public information committees.
The incoming senator is also a staunch advocate for federalism and charter change, which would have to happen for the transition to the federal Philippines.
