"Ang mga kawatan magsasama-sama sa kulungan (All robbers will go to jail). Mark my word."
This was the stern warning of presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquaio against corrupt government officials who are causing hardship to the Filipino people.
During the Commission on Elections-sponsored presidential debate on Saturday, Pacquiao said he will show "a different kind of administration" if he wins in the upcoming elections.
"'Pag si Manny Pacquiao ang naging presidente, humanda na kayong mga kawatan dyan sa gobyerno (If Manny Pacquiao becomes president, those who rob the people's money in the government must be ready)," he added.
The lawmaker's warning came as he recalled his experience in the countryside during his campaign visits.
He said, "it breaks his heart" every time he sees Filipinos experiencing hardships and poverty.
"Parang nakikita ko 'yung sarili ko noong araw na ako'y mahirap (I'm seeing myself in them when I was still poor)," he said. "Ang sinasama ng loob ko yung mga kawatan sa gobyerno, yung mga mapagsamantala sa gobyerno (What pains me is to see the corrupt government officials, the abusive people in government)."
That's why if he gets elected president, Pacquiao said he will run after the corrupt and abusive government officials. He blamed them for the lack of development and opportunities for the people.
Pacquiao asserted that his fight against erring government officials will not only be his fight but "the fight of the people".