Robredo’s office to continue COVID-response programs, fine by me says Pacquiao

Presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao. FILE PHOTO / Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — It is okay for presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao that the office of Vice President Leni Robredo, one of his opponents in the presidential race, will be allowed to continue its pandemic-response programs during the campaign period.

Pacquiao on Wednesday said that it would be the people who would be benefitting from the initiative of Robredo’s office.

“Bakit ako magagalit, bakit ko siya pagbabawalan eh ang mga taong nagbabayad (ng buwis) ang makikinabang. Nakatulong ka sa kapwa, nakatulong ka sa taumbayan, huwag mong pigilan,” he said in a press conference in Isabela.

(Why would I be mad? Why would I restrict her when it would be the people who would benefit? It is helping the people, don’t forbid it.)

He made the remark after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) granted the request of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to continue its pandemic-related programs, which was suspended in February as the campaign period started for national candidates.

These initiatives include the Bayanihan E-konsulta, Vaccine Express, Swab Cab and medical assistance program of the OVP.

Pacquiao said that he is happy that the programs will be continued.

“Masaya nga ako ‘pag may ganoon eh. ‘Pag ganoon siguro mga tao, lalong-lalo na mga mayayaman, baka hindi na ako tatakbo. Ang aking misyon ay makita ko na tinutulungan ang mga maliliit na tao,” he said.

(I am happy when there are initiatives like these. If people, especially the rich ones, are naturally helping, I might not have run. My mission is to see people helping others.)

JPV