Pacquiao free to prove corruption claims, it’s a free country, says Palace

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Manny Pacquiao could do whatever he wishes to support claims of supposed corruption in government since the Philippines is a free country after all, Malacañang said Thursday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said this in response to the senator’s statement he will release video and audio proof of his claims of corruption against several government agencies.

“Well, pabayaan po natin si Senator Pacquiao kung ano ang gusto niya isiwalat, it’s a free country,” Roque said in an online press briefing.

(Let Senator Pacquiao reveal what he wants, it’s a free country.)

“Pero sa ngayon po, kaisa nila kami, kaisa niya ang buong sambayanang Pilipino in wishing him good luck sa pagdating na laban niya,” he added.

(But right now, we are one with them, the Filipinos are one in wishing him good luck in his upcoming match.)

Pacquiao is currently training in the United States for his upcoming boxing match against Errol Spence Jr. in August.

The senator earlier alleged that the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are involved in corrupt practices.

But Roque downplayed Pacquiao’s claims, calling it “watusi” (fireworks) instead of an “atom bomb” since the supposed revelations were in general and not supported by evidence.

JPV