PROMDI Party standard bearer Sen. Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday, Jan. 25 disclosed that he has summoned his younger brother, House Deputy Speaker and Saranggani Rep. Rogelio “Ruel” Pacquiao, to explain the truth behind reports that the latter has pledged to support the vice presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
In a press statement, the elder Pacquiao also assured his running mate Deputy Speaker and Buhay Partylist Rep. Lito Atienza that his support for Atienza’s vice presidential candidacy remains strong and has never changed.
“Matagal na po ang aming pinagsamahan at hindi ito mabubuwag o mababago ng pulitika. (We have been allies for so long and this will not be ruined or changed by politics),” he said.
The presidential aspirant said he strongly believes in the competence and ability of Atienza, stressing that he deserves to be the country’s vice president.
Atienza has yet to react on the controversy.
On Monday, Duterte’s political party, Lakas-CMD, announced that Rep. Pacquiao pledged his support for Mayor Duterte.
This happened during a meeting in Davao City between the presidential daughter and Saranggani local officials led by Rep. Pacquiao and Gov. Steve Solon, the Lakas-CMD disclosed.
“I have already summoned my brother, Ruel, to personally explain the truth behind the press release issued by Lakas-CMD claiming that he and Saranggani Governor Steve Solon have thrown their support for Mayor Sara Duterte,” Pacquiao said in a press statement.
He explained that he was never consulted by the congressman about the supposed decision to junk Atienza.
“Hindi po ako kinonsulta sa bagay na ito kaya’t kailangang magpaliwanag dito si Ruel. ( I was not consulted about this so Ruel must explain.),” said the senator.
He added: "Bilang pamilya at bilang magkapatid ay kailangan naming magkaisa upang matiyak na tuloy-tuloy ang labang Paquaio-Atienza. (As a family and as brothers we need to united in order to guarantee the campaign of Pacquiao-Atienza.)”