If all Filipinos were like Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Manny Pacquiao said he would not be running for president.
"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 (If people were like her, especially the rich, I would not be running now. My mission is to see to it that lesser fortunate people get help)," Pacquiao told reporters during his sorties in Cauayan, Isabela on Wednesday, March 23.
The boxing legend-turned-lawmaker made these remarks after he was asked about his thoughts on the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) move to allow the office of Robredo, who is also his rival for the Palace seat, to continue its programs on pandemic response.
This, despite the spending ban imposed by government during the campaign period.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, it is prohibited for any public official to disburse public funds 45 days before an election. The next elections will take place on May 9, or in less than two months.
Pacquiao said he sees nothing wrong with Comelec's decision.
"Si Vice President, vice president naman yan eh. Sa akin, bakit ako magagalit, bakit ko siya pagbabawalan eh ang mga taong nagbabayad (ng buwis) ang makikinabang (She is the vice president. For me, why would I get angry, why would I prohibit her if tax-paying people will benefit from it)," he said.
"Nakatulong ka sa kapwa, nakatulong ka sa taumbayan, huwag mong pigilan. Masaya nga ako pag may ganoon eh (If one can help his or her fellow and countrymen, don't stop her. I'm actually happy if there are people like that)," he added.