Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 4) — Presidential aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquiao vowed Friday to stop giving away money when the campaign period starts next week, following criticisms that it is tantamount to vote buying.
During the presidential forum organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, he admitted that he took advantage of handing out cash while the campaign period has not yet started.
“Wala pang eleksyon, hindi pa ako under sa batas kaya sinasamantala ko (It’s not yet officially election season, I am not yet covered by the law that’s why I am taking advantage of it),” the boxer-turned-politician said.
“Ngayong magka-campaign period na, titigil na po yung pamimigay natin,” Pacquiao promised. “Susunod po tayo sa kautusan ng Comelec at gobyerno natin. Hindi po ako lumalabag sa batas.”
[Translation: Now that the campaign period is about to start, I will stop. We will follow the rules of the Commission on Elections and the government. I am not violating any laws.]
Pacquiao earlier drew criticism for his supposed premature campaigning after he was seen giving out bundles of ₱1,000 cash in a relief activity during his visit to Batangas last year. The senator reasoned that he has been giving out money for decades using his personal money.
Comelec warned candidates that giving away money to the public – even as a form of ‘ayuda’ or cash aid – will be considered vote buying once the campaign period for national posts kicks off on February 8.
