Pacquiao noncommittal on breaking absenteeism streak in Senate
Rep. Manny Pacquiao AP FILE PHOTO
Drawing flak for his record absenteeism while being a representative for the Sarangani province in the House of Representatives, Senator-elect Manny Pacquiao on Thursday did not promise that he will have a perfect attendance when he assumes his post in the upper chamber of Congress.
Speaking to reporters, Pacquiao said that as an Evangelical Christian, he finds it hard to promise not to record absences while doing his duties in the Senate.
READ: 4: Number of days Pacquiao reported in Congress in 2014
While he is noncommittal to breaking his absenteeism streak, the boxer-legislator said that he will do his best to become an effective senator.
“Alam mo as a Christian, hindi ata tama na mangako ka. Gagawin natin ang ating lahat na makakaya. Nangako ka na perfect attendance ka. Let’s say na nagkasakit ka, eh ‘di hindi mo na natupad ‘yung pangako mo,” Pacquiao explained.
(You know, as a Christian, it’s not right that I make promises. I’ll do what I can. Let’s say you promised you’ll have perfect attendance but you get sick. So, you won’t fulfill your promise.)
READ: Pacquiao No. 1 absentee in House
The boxer, who placed seventh place in the senatorial race with 16,050,546 votes, said that he values the trust given to him by the people and that he will not let them down.
“Maraming salamat sa sambayanang Pilipino sa inyong pagbibigay ng tiwala. Isa lang po ang masasabi ko: ‘yung binigay na tiwala at suporta niyo sa akin ay hindi ko po kayo ipapahiya at hindi mababayaran ng kahit anong halaga.”
(Thank you to the Filipinos for their trust. I can only say one thing: you will not be disappointed with the priceless trust and support that you’ve given to me.)
He said that he will be a God-fearing and honest senator.
“Mula sa aking puso, ay pangagalagaan ko at magserbisyo nang tama sa taumbayan at gampanan ang trabaho ng tungkulin. Dapat walang korapsyon at serbisyong may takot sa Panginoon,” Pacquiao said.
(Wholeheartedly, I will take care and serve our countrymen and perform my duties. No corruption and service aided by the fear of God.)
In order to prepare for his new task in life, he said that he is already “reviewing” and that he would still talk to his advisers on what bill he would file first in the Congress’ upper chamber.
READ: Comelec exec: Pacquiao won’t be top absentee in Senate
Pacquiao was proclaimed along with 11 other winners in the senatorial race at the Philippine International Convention Center, Thursday afternoon. JE
