Palace calls Pacquiao’s corruption allegations ‘watusi,’ not ‘atom bomb’

FILE PHOTO: World boxing champ-turned-politician Senator Manny Pacquiao at the Senate floor on March 23, 2020. (Henzberg Austria/Senate PRIB Files)

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Manny Pacquiao failed to make explosive revelations and only set off a “watusi” instead of an “atom bomb” when he disclosed alleged corruption in government, Malacañang said on Monday.

Pacquiao, who earned President Duterte’s ire for saying corruption has grown under the present administration, had alleged that P10.4 billion in pandemic cash aid was missing and questioned the Department of Social Welfare (DSWD) and Development’s use of e-wallet app Starpay to distribute the amounts.

Pacquiao also alleged that there was corruption in the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Energy.

But presidential spokesperson Harry Roque contended that the statements of Pacquiao, a boxing superstar-turned-politician, were a dud.

“I thought it would be an atom bomb but it turned out to be watusi. It is worthless because it was all generalized allegations,” he added.

He cited Sen. Richard Gordon’s statement questioning how Pacquiao’s allegations could be investigated when the latter is not present.

Pacquiao, after holding a press conference to bare his corruption allegations, flew to the United States for a boxing match with Errol Spence on Aug. 21.

Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista denied any irregularity in the disbursement of the pandemic cash aid under the special amelioration program, saying all funds had been accounted for.

As for Pacquiao’s concern over the DSWD’s decision to tap Starpay to distribute billions of pesos when it only had a paid-up capital of P62,000, Bautista said the DSWD’s selection of Starpay as conduit for the digital payments was backed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The DOH denied procuring medicines that were about to expire.

“We have protocols that we can only buy medicines with a shelf life of 18 to 24 months,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told a media briefing on Monday.

At the Senate, Gordon, chair of the Senate committee on good government and public accountability, expressed dismay that Pacquiao dropped his exposes and then quickly flew out of the country.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, however, said the blue ribbon committee must proceed even with Pacquiao’s physical absence, and even without a resolution.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Pacquiao must submit his proof for the investigation to push through.

“Documented evidence should be provided. Sen. Pacquiao can attend virtually like most of my colleagues,” Sotto said.