FILE PHOTO: Senator Manny Pacquiao. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Senator and presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao on Thursday said he is considering three people for the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) if ever he becomes the next president.
In an ambush interview in Abuyog, Leyte, Pacquiao did not mention any names but said he has been talking to them.
“DBM, meron na rin akong mga napupusuan diyan pero ano ‘yan sila, tatlo ‘yan sila, kinakausap ko pa,” he replied when asked if he has anyone in mind to appoint as DBM chief should he win in the May 9 polls.
(DBM, I am eyeing some people there but they are three, I am still talking to them)
“Tatlo ‘yan sila kinakausap ko, may mga gusto pa kong marinig sa kanila. May gusto pa ko marinig kung paano nila aayusin ‘yung budget natin,” added the world boxing champoin-turned-politician.
(There are three, I’m talking to them, I want to hear how they will fix our budget.)
But Pacquiao revealed he sees Abag-Promdi head Mimo Osmeña as his finance secretary.
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“Naiisip ko diyan sa pagpipilian ko si Mimo Osmeña sa DOF (Department of Finance). Nakita ko ‘yung galing niya, nakita ko ‘yung dedication niya na syempre nagkukwentuhan kami,” he said.
(I think of choosing Mimo Osmeña for DOF. I saw his excellence and dedication when we talked.)
“Pero marami na kong kinakausap. Gusto ko kasi ‘yung alam ‘yung damdamin ko kung ano mangyari sa bansa natin. Gusto ko kasi talaga palakasin ‘yung revenue income ng ating gobyerno,” Pacquiao continued.
(But, I am already talking to many people. I want someone who knows what I want to happen in the country. I want to strengthen the government’s revenue.)
Earlier, Pacquiao said he planning to further lower the corporate tax to help the business sector and entice investments in the country.