FILE PHOTO: Presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — In a bid to eradicate corruption, Senator Manny Pacquiao will order the review of government contracts should he win the upcoming presidential election.
According to Pacquiao, the review of government contracts would be the first executive order (EO) that he will sign.
“Ito i-reveal ko ang pinaka-unang EO na pipirmahan ko — i-review ko lahat ng kontrata ng gobyerno. Titingnan ko lahat ng mga nag-take advantage sa gobyerno,” he said in a press conference in Iligan.
(I will reveal the first EO that I will sign — I will review all government contracts. I will look into those who took advantage of the government.)
READ: Pacquiao aims to rid 70% of gov’t corruption in 2-3 years if elected president
“Humanda kayong lahat. Sinasabi ko sa inyo, kahit na mga bilyonaryo pa kayo, kahit mga trilyonaryo pa kayo, basta nanlamang kayo sa bansa natin, maniwala kayo sa’kin. Ako ‘yung pangulo, tatawanan ko lang kayo,” the boxer-turned-politician continued.
(Be ready. I’m telling you, even if you are a billionaire or a trillionaire, if you take advantage of the country, believe me. I’m the president, I will just laugh at you.)
Pacquiao said he will deliver “real change” by going after erring government officials.
READ: Pacquiao vows to personally haul corrupt officials to jail if elected
“Syempre binigyan ako ng Panginoon ng wisdom para litisin ang mga ‘yan at habulin ang mga ‘yan,” he said. “Kaya maniwala kayo sa’kin, ito ang sinasabi natin na tunay na pagbabago dahil ako hindi ko na kailangan yumaman. Hindi ko na kailangan sumikat. Laging tandaan niyo, ang pinaglalaban ko dito ang sambayang Pilipino.”
(Of course, God gave me wisdom to litigate them and go after them. Believe me, this is what we call real change because I do not need to get rich. I do not need to get famous. Keep in mind, I’m fighting for the Filipino people.)
Eliminating government corruption was the top priority of Pacquiao’s administration if he becomes the next president of the country.
READ: A glimpse of Pacquiao presidency: Corruption-free, no cursing