Cusi to Pacquiao on corruption claims: Prove it or shut up

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and Senator Manny Pacquiao. FILE PHOTOS / SENATE PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Expelled PDP-Laban vice chairman Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Tuesday turned the tables on Senator Manny Pacquiao, saying the latter has to prove his corruption allegations against several government agencies, or “shut up”.

“If you cannot prove it, you better shut up,” Cusi said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel.

The energy chief also chided Pacquiao for baring claims of government corruption and then heading straight to the United States for his August boxing match right after making such accusations.

“Basta na lang siya maga-accuse, [tapos] aalis siya. Harapin niya kami,” Cusi said.

Earlier, Pacquiao, who serves as acting president of PDP-Laban, claimed that the e-wallet application used by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), had failed to fully distribute the aid under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) — with P10.4 billion missing even though it was noted that all of the payouts had been completed.

The senator also claimed there were alleged irregularities in the Department of Energy (DOE), among other line departments.

“Senator Pacquiao has thrown accusations against us and that is really regrettable because as a senator he should be responsible for his actions. He should prove it. We are ready. You cannot just accuse the president and say, ‘Where’s the P10 billion?’ You prove it,” Cusi went on.

“Now, he accused the DOE because of a certain market operation, I said that has been investigated and we are open [for a probe],” he added.

Cusi and two other officials were recently expelled from PDP-Laban for alleged violation of provisions under the party’s own constitution.

But President Rodrigo Dutere, chairman of PDP-Laban, still recognizes Cusi’s leadership in the party, according to Malacañang.

EDV