Senator Manny Pacquiao and presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Manny Pacquiao on Friday said he will reveal video and audio proof of his claims of corruption against several government agencies after his initial exposé was downplayed as mere “watusi” (fireworks).
“Natatawa lang ako. Sabi nila ‘watusi.’ Sige, pagdating ko diyan, ‘watusi’ pala? Ipapalabas ko video, audio recording—kung papayag lang maipalabas pati audio recording,” Pacquiao told radio dzBB.
(I find it amusing that they will just call it a ‘watusi.’ Alright, once I get back, I will reveal the videos as well as the audio recordings—if they will allow me to release the audio recordings.)
“Hindi ako nakikipagaway sa pangulo. Hindi ako nakikipag-away sayo, Mr. President. Ang alam ko ayaw mo rin ng korapsyon. Kahit ilan beses tayong naguusap, Mr. President, lagi kong sinasabi sayo na ayaw ko ng corruption,” he added.
(I’m not trying to pick a fight with the president. I’m not fighting with you, Mr. President. From what I know, you also hate corruption. In all our conversations, I always tell you that I hate corruption, too.)
Pacquiao is currently training in the United States for his boxing match in August.
Before leaving the country last July 4, the senator alleged corruption in the use of an e-wallet application being used by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to distribute the government’s social amelioration program (SAP) aid.
Pacquiao said some unclaimed SAP benefits were labeled as received. The DSWD said it will cooperate with any investigation. The senator is asking for a Senate probe on the matter.
Pacquiao had also tagged the Department of Energy and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in alleged irregularities.
But Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque branded Pacquiao’s claims as “worthless,” calling it “watusi” (fireworks) instead of an “atom bomb” since the supposed revelations were in general and not supported by evidence.