The Department of Energy (DOE) isn't interested with hitting back at Senator Manny Pacquiao, even if his allegations of corruption against the agency turn out to be baseless.
Thus, said Assistant Secretary Gerardo Erguiza Jr. during the Laging Handa virtual press briefing Wednesday, July 7.
Erguiza was specifically asked what action the DOE would take should it be proven later that Pacquiao’s allegations of corruption were unfounded.
"Ang importante lang naman po sa amin ay ang paggawa namin ng trabaho. Doon sa pagtuturuan, ipagpapasa-Diyos na lang po natin 'yan kasi naniniwala naman tayo po na ang importante dito ay mailabas natin ang katotohan at kung ano ang tama (The only thing important to us is for us to do our jobs. As to the finger-pointing, we will just leave it up to God because we believe that what's important here is to expose the truth and what is right)," he said.
"Hindi ho kami makikipagsiraan dito, hindi kami magtuturo ng tao. Ajg importante maipakita natin na ang departamento ay malinis at malinis po ang aming secretary na si Secretary Alfonso Cusi na siya pong unang tinatamaan ng mga akusasyon na ito (We won't resort to mudslinging or finger-pointing. What's important is for us to show that the department is clean, as well as our secretary, Alfonso Cusi, who is the first one to be hit with these accusations)," he further said.
Boxing hero-turned-policitian Pacquiao has recently made it his quest to expose alleged corruption in the Duterte administration. He has identified the DOE as one of the agencies marred by supposed irregularities.
In particular, the lawmaker linked the DOE to private company Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOPl), which according to him had been "raking in billions" from the electric bills that Filipino consumers pay.
Pacquiao, 42, is currently training in the United States for his upcoming return to the boxing ring against American welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. Their mega bout will take place on August 21 in Las Vegas.
An eight-division boxing champion, "Pacman's" accolades in the sport has given Filipinos a source of pride and joy throughout his over 25-year career.
Pacquiao is widely believed to be running for president next year.