Pacquiao still collecting documentary proof of corruption in DOH, other agencies
Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao (Albert Calvelo/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Manny Pacquiao on Thursday said he is still collecting documentary evidence to prove alleged corruption in the Department of Health (DOH) and other agencies in the government.
“Meron po tayong ebidensya sa DOH. Not only DOH but iba’t ibang mga department. Isa-submit ko ‘yan. Iniipon ko lang lahat muna,” the senator said in an interview on Teleradyo.
(We have evidence about the DOH. Not only DOH but also other departments. I will submit this. I’m just gathering the evidence.)
“Gusto ko yung ebidensiya, black and white na transaksyon sa loob ng ahensya at yun ang magpapatunay na yun yung mga transaksyon na hindi sang-ayon sa batas natin,” he added.
(I want the evidence, black and white transactions within the agencies and this will prove that there are transactions that went against our laws.)
Article continues after this advertisementThis comes after Pacquiao accepted the challenge of President Rodrigo Duterte for the senator to name corrupt agencies in the current administration.
Article continues after this advertisementIn accepting Duterte’s dare, Pacquiao had specifically mentioned the DOH and that the line department’s pandemic expenses should be the first to undergo investigation.
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, however, called Pacquiao’s accusations “baseless.”
On Thursday, Duque said he has already submitted to Pacquiao the fund utilization report of the DOH under Bayanihan 1 and 2.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao said he is open to having discussions with Duque regarding alleged corruption within the DOH.
“Kailangan nating banggain ang corruption para magkaroon tayo ng kaginhawaan, improvement and development,” the senator said.
(We need to crackdown on corruption so that we will have comfort, improvement and development.)
Pacquiao also denied “attacking” the President in flagging corruption in government under the current administration. The senator said he wants to work with Duterte to crackdown on corrupt officials.
