MANILA, Philippines — Presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao will give P100,000 aid to the victims of a fire in Brgy. Sta. Ana in Pateros.
Pacquiao met with fire victims, aid beneficiaries, tricycle drivers, and volunteer watchmen in a forum at the said barangay on Tuesday.
It was village chief Venancio Santiago who revealed the pledge of the presidential candidate.
“Binulong po ng Pangulong Manny Pacquiao na magbibigay siya ng P 100,000 tulong po sa inyo. Pag binigay nya sa amin, punta kayo sa barangay,” he said in the forum.
(Pacquiao whispered that he will give P100,000 as an aid to victims of the fire. When we receive it, just go to the barangay.)
In an interview, Pacquiao clarified that this is not his money but that of his friend’s who refused to be identified.
Therefore, this is not a case of vote-buying.
READ: Pacquiao says he won’t stop giving relief, cash until campaign season begins
“Hindi po [vote-buying] dahil ‘yung mag provide ng abuloy po ay hindi naman po sa akin. Sa kaibigan ko,” he said.
(This is not vote-buying, because the money is not from me but my friend.)
He said he will follow Comelec rules and regulations especially when it comes to giving aid to Filipinos.
Pacquiao has been giving away relief and cash to the public before the campaign season.
READ: Comelec: Pacquiao cash handouts wrong, but not yet vote buying