Pacquiao brushes off vote-buying claims: They’re just envious

Sen. Manny Pacquiao distributes assistance upon visiting Batangas. Contributed photo

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines — “Inggit lang sila. (They are just envious).”

This was the reaction of presidential aspirant and Senator Manny Pacquiao when asked about those who accused him of vote-buying in handing over money and kilos of rice to people in the different parts of the country.

On Saturday, Oct. 30, Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee distributed P1,000 cash and five kilos of rice to each of the least 1,000 residents on Panglao Island, Bohol, and another 1,000 residents in Tagbilaran City.

“I want to clarify that what I am doing now is nothing new. I’ve been doing this since 2002. Even if I was not a politician then, I already visited people from different parts of the country,” he said.

Despite a multitude of people, only those with coupons were given the assistance.

Merlyn Cosain, 42, was lucky she had a coupon. Her clothes and face were soaked and had even trouble keeping her eyes opened.

“I’m happy. Who else would give us P1,000 and rice. It’s just a bonus to personally see Pacman and his wife Jinkee. I don’t care about the rain,” said Cosain.

Observers said physical distancing was not observed by the people during the events in Panglao and Tagbilaran.

Pacquiao said he had advised people to follow the health protocols.

“We can’t avoid the crowd. Maybe, they were very excited to see me,” he said.

JPV