Anti-corruption watchdog to Pacquiao: We admire your lightning speed, but act on raps vs Legarda

The complaint against former Senator now Antique Lone District Representative Loren Legarda

MANILA, Philippines — An anti-corruption watchdog on Monday slammed Senator Manny Pacquiao for failing to act on an ethics case filed against his former colleague, former Senator now Antique Lone District Representative Loren Legarda.

“We admire Manny Pacquiao for the lightning speed of punches he throws against opponents inside the boxing ring,” Anti-Trapo Movement of the Philippines Inc. (ATM) Chairman Leon Peralta said in a statement, regarding Pacquiao’s recent win against boxer Keith Thurman.

“But we find very disenchanting his refusal just to flex a muscle and to act on our complaint.”

The anti-corruption watchdog filed a case against Legarda in December 2018 for allegedly violating the Constitution with the approval of a bill granting a 25-year franchise to Solar Para Sa Bayan (SPSB), which is owned by her son Leandro Leviste.

The complaint was filed before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which Pacquiao serves as chairman.

In February, the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission referred to the Ombudsman the ATM complaint against Legarda. The group in their press statement said that the Office of the Ombudsman, last June 21 called on Pacquiao to give them an update on the complaint against Legarda and furnish them a copy of any actions his committee has taken.

Because of Pacquaio’s supposed inaction, Assistant Ombudsman Pilarita Lapitan has formally asked the senator for an update.

Previously, Legarda said that she abstained from voting on the bill “out of delicadeza.”

READ: Legarda defends son’s solar firm: I abstained out of delicadeza