Law Makers should debate in "tagalog"

I agree that this debate should also be in "Tagalog" . It pertains to the Philippines' RH Bill and involves every Filipinos so we should allow that it be also done in Tagalog. However, i guess there should be an option as to whether they speak it in Tagalog or English, because some senators like Miriam Santiago, don't speak fluent Tagalog since she's more into her dialect . I have read about Sen. Lapid finaly speaking about his stand on RH bill. However , did really speak in Tagalog? It was not stated in the newspaper.

Hi LetranKnight25! It seems Senator Lapid is not comfortable speaking even in his native language, or should I say in debating instead. The humorous atmosphere that he presented even before he speak had made the debate to be taken lightly by some Senators. Now going to your topic, I believe it will be good particularly for the interpolation and debate of the law. I believe this will not limit the debate to those who could speak the English language fluently but will give way to other Representatives to express their opinion and concern without the barricade of language. One of the Senators I really admired in speaking Tagalog is Senator Chiz Escudero. He could deeply speak Tagalog language continuously and expressively, and at the same time could also speak good English. Maybe our Representative in the House of Senates and Congress could take a look at him. Have a nice day!

hello LK, Well, I agree that they should speak in our native language. There is nothing wrong with it. We Filipino are known for our English and we don't need to prove how good we are when it comes to speaking English. So...why not use our mother tongue when in court or in congress. have a good day dear bro

I agree with you. Thou I understand that the Formal language of the Senate and House of representatives is English , Filipino (Tagalog) should be allowed and if necessary the transcripts should show a translation only. Filipino should not be disallowed. I guess the reason for this is still connected with colonial mentality. Sadly, some Filipinos still think that if they are good in English they are better than others. But the more developed countries in asia are proud of their language. The Japanese use their national language in their History and official communications. Like them, we should be proud of our language and the multiple dialects of our many regions. Gone are the days when command of the English language mean we are more educated and elite. The times are changing and it is about time that we should be proud of our heritage. Being a Filipino is not something to be ashamed about. It is painful to hear Filipino celebrities and legislators at that, try desperately to fit in and speak the English language. Being able to speak English does not make one a better person and more educated and intelligent than the others. While English is a useful language, it is not necessary for success. Time for a change of mindset don't you think?

When we say debate in tagalogthis would mean using the tagalog dialect which many of the lawmakers may not may not understand. Would you believe that the Cebuano dialect is the largest spoken and understood dialect in the Philippines? What we must do is to make a official language based on all Philippine dialect which is now very hard to do. Lawmakers do not come from ordinary family, most of them are schooled in private and English speaking school and it i still the English language that is best understood by them. It is sad state that up to now Filipinos are confused to what language should be officially used in our government and every day living. We don't speak tagalog but a new coined language derived from our confusion. Observe a ordinary Filipino or even a child, you will know what i mean. Here's an example. " Kumain ako ng burger sa Mall of Asia, du'n sa outlet na malapit sa entrance door". It is pure tagalog or pure English NOPE but this is how we speak!

I agree with your idea that debate should be in Tagalog especially this is the language which almost people here in Philippines can understand. .

I agree that these debates regarding national issues should be spoken in Tagalog or Taglish at least. This will not only exalt our national language, but will also let our fellow countrymen who doesn't understand English, be involved in our country's current issues. I hope this gets implemented soon.

Thanks for sharing. I think so too.

for me regarding this RH bill it affects mostly the people who speaks tagalog more than the english speaking filipinos. the people who watches tv more are the people who speaks more with tagalog. the people who speaks english watched their news on the net or read it on news papers or read it on the net. so i guess they really need to debate with tagalog so that people can more understand it. you had a great point to when it comes to people who can only speak their dialects. if they want more people to understand and so that they can get peoples attention i guess they need to speak in tagalog during debates like this subject. just my opinion.

I'd prefer to "speech" in English but when arguing, or making a point, or debating, it would be best to be able to use Tagalog or my dialect, Visayan, or a mixture of those 3 languages. And most of all, I want our Miss Universe contingents to answer in native language and let the translator beautify the answer!

I understand all law makers should and must know and speak english in other occation like outside Philippines (if necessary to speak English) but inside our country they should speak Filipino in all time because they are all working for people. Best example is Pnoy he speak Filipino in order to understands of all. Regardless of modern or new era the important is being a Filipino in words and action.. See most of the progress countries like Japan they are speaking Japanese around the world even I believe they can speak English but be nationalistic - what I mean?

I know people are making deal out of him saying "fourplets" I really dont know why it has to be English cos Speaking English is not basis on a person's intelligence,some of the greatest minds dont speak English. TV networks are brainwashing our people by making "rich characters" English speakers so all people here will have that mindset,with that even our senate and congress were doing the same thing,.

law debates that you heard speaking in English Dialect are only found in movies.... majority of the foreign countries speak according to their own native tongue (except Philippines) even in the Miss Universe and Miss Earth Pageant they all speak according to their own native tongue... (except Philippines) we will have to be independent and do what Jose Rizal told us to do, and not just dependent to American English Language... anyway, if a Filipino really like to speak English all the time here in Philippines, better employ and work in a Call Center Agent.... where big salary for the only capital is a vocal chord voices....

I always agree on this part. I really don't see the sense of our lawmakers speaking in English if their own people can't even understand what they're talking about. Debates are made to create new laws and should be delivered in a language where Filipinos can understand since they're in Philippines :P If there are foreign news delegates around, then let them find their own translators :P

I like it when they just speak tagalog it's slower than talking English with obvious Filipino accent...it sounded weird. I mean if you look at youtube videos there are a lot of other races mimicking Filipino English accent. Besides if they talk in Tagalog the population can internalize the meaning of their debate better. On the other hand, it's also safe to talk in English. Imagine they would fight in Tagalog and they can use street language and gay language. I don't think they would use the formal Tagalog when they feel too aggravated.

If the RH bill becomes a law it will affect every household in this country. The bill tackle an issues which is very personal in nature that's why it's important that every citizen of this country should have a full grasp and understanding of what's it all about. You can't give that full grasp and understanding if the recipients can't or don't understand its content.

it's so annoying when the congress debates in english when all of them can speak and undestands tagalog,even our president speaks tagalog in hi SONA and i think it was broadcasted locally and in the TFC. why speak in english when not all of them can express their opinion fully or totally grasp the opinion of others who are speaking in english. the question is, are they broadcasting their congress debates worldwide?.is there really a need to speak english when they're just addressing each other inside the congress?. i think not.