Robin Padilla to Tap Salvador Panelo as 'Adviser, Mentor' in the Senate

Actor Robin Padilla, poised to top the senatorial elections, said he would tap lawyer Salvador Panelo as his "legislative consultant and mentor" when he assumes his post.

Padilla said Panelo, outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte's former spokesperson and chief legal counsel, would help him further his adovacy for a federal-parliamentary form of government.

Panelo ranked 26th based on an unofficial count while Padilla was on course to lead 12 winning candidates with some 26 million votes.

"Hindi man kami nagtagumpay ni idol Salvador Panelo na maging magkasama sa Senado, isa lang ang sinigurado namin dalawa: Walang mababago sa aming adhikaing pagbabago, walang makakapigil sa rebolusyon. Si Salvador Panelo ang aking legislative consultant, adviser at mentor," Padilla said in a Facebook post.

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Duterte, who promised a shift to federalism during his term, earlier endorsed Padilla to the electorate.

"Kailangan ko ng pambato sa usapin ng batas pagdating sa Senado. Ang pagpapalit ng Saligang Batas ay hindi magiging madali sapagkat ang babanggain nito ay ang kasalukuyang naghaharing mga oligarko nakakubli sa 1987 (sic) Constitution," the actor said.

Panelo thanked Padilla for the opportunity, saying he would help push for federalism.

“Makaasa ka na ibubuhos ko ang aking sarili para tulungan kang isulong, palitan ang Saligang Batas para wakasan na ang bulok na sistema na bumibilanggo sa ating bansa,” Panelo told Padilla in a statement.

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