Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao. (Joseph Vidal/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Yes to an iron-fist leadership. No to cursing.
Speaking at a weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila on Thursday, Senator Manny Pacquiao gave an insight into how he plans to run the country should he get elected president next year.
Eradicating government corruption remains his top priority.
Pacquiao lamented that corruption continues to be rampant because corrupt public officials go unpunished.
“Kailangan talaga yung tinatawag na kamay na bakal in the right way, yung sundin natin yung Konstitusyon natin,” he said.
(We really need an iron first but in the right way, in accordance with our Constitution)
Aside from the political will, he said, eradicating corruption also requires a change in the mindset of leaders making business in government.
Pacquiao said he himself would go after these corrupt people and send them to jail should he win the presidency.
READ: Pacquiao vows to put corrupt officials behind bars, if elected president
“Alam nyo po kung position lang ang hanapin ko para sa gobyerno, pwede naman po akong mag senador, pwede po akong tumakbo ng vice president para magpasarap lang sa sarili ko,” he when asked about his decision to seek the presidency.
(You know if I’m just after a position in government, I could have just run for senator or vice president)
“Pero pinili ko pong tumakbo ng pangulo kasi gusto ko pong ako mismo ang mag disiplina sa mga ganid na pulitiko na patuloy na, matagal ng nagnanakaw dyan sa kaban ng gobyerno.”
(But I chose to run for president because I want myself to discipline greedy politicians who continue to steal money from government coffers)
“Hindi ko kailangang magmura para ipakita ko ang tapang ko pero pag dating ng panahon, God willing, ilagay ako dyan tulungan ako ng taumbayan, makikita nyo ang bagong umaga ng ating bansa, makikita nyo ang tunay na pagbabago at tunay na pag asa sa ating bansa,” the senator further said.
(I don’t need to hurl invectives to show that I’m brave, but when the time comes, God willing, I get elected with the help of our countrymen, you will see a new beginning, a real change and hope in our country)
Unlike other candidates running for office to advance their own personal interests, Pacquiao said he only wants to inspire people and be an excellent example to them.