Sen. Manny Pacquiao. INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Politicians who have nothing else to do but criticize pro-poor programs must leave public service, Senator Manny Pacquiao said on Tuesday.
Pacquiao particularly mentioned the name of Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman when the senator took the floor to express his support for neophyte Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.
Lagman, during a budget hearing last week, questioned the funds for Go’s pet project, Malasakit Centers.
READ: Lagman to PCSO: Explain funding to Malasakit Centers
“Masakit lang isipin na ang programa na para sa mahihirap tapos may mga tao na komokontra…. Hindi ko maintidihan ‘yung mindset ng mga politiko dito sa Pilipinas, Mr. President,” Pacquiao said.
“Kasi pagka maganda ‘yung ginagawa para sa mga mahirap, dahil kalaban ka, kokontrahin ka. E nakakabuti naman sa taumbayan. Kaya wala ng progreso, walang kaunlaran ang bansa natin…” he added.
A poor man himself before, Pacquiao recalled how he would miss a day’s meal back then.
Today, the world-boxing-champion-turned-senator is now one of the billionaires and the second richest member in the Senate.
Pacquiao though said he is ready to give up his wealth if only to join and help poor Filipinos.
“Hindi ako greedy person na itatago ko ‘yung yaman ko. ‘Pag namatay ako, hindi ko madadala yan,” he said. “We came to this world naked and we will depart alone and naked.”
“Wala tayong madadala. Iiwanan natin lahat ‘yan. Sayang ‘yung pera o kayamanan mo na nakatago lang sa bahay o sa bangko kung hindi mo tinutulong sa kapwa mo. ‘Pag namatay ka, iiwanan mo lang ‘yun. Dapat ma-realize nating lahat ‘yan,” he further said.
And to politicians criticizing the government’s programs for the poor, Pacquiao had this to say: “Tumigil na kayo sa pagseserbisyo. Wala kayong kwenta para sa taumbayan.”
“Especially, Lagman, laging komokontra yan kung anong mga programang magaganda,” he said.
He then wondered if Lagman is just against the poor or just wants public attention. /je