Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 8) — Presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao and running mate House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza on Tuesday stressed they will show zero tolerance for corruption, and called on erring officials to step down while they have the chance.
Pacquiao reiterated the warning during his proclamation rally at the Oval Stadium in his hometown, General Santos City.
“If I become president of the Philippines, you’ll see. These thieves in the government, whether appointed or elected, big or small, rich, well-known, I will show you how I will drag them to prison,” he said in his speech, which was mostly in Bisaya.
Joining the event via livestream, Atienza also warned of jail time for corrupt officials if he and Pacquiao win in the May elections. The lawmaker was unable to physically attend the rally due to a sprained ankle.
During his speech, Atienza also defended Pacquiao from critics questioning his capacity to serve as the highest government official. He said the boxer-turned-politician has “brought honor” to the country, while another presidential hopeful — who he said is leading voter surveys — has only “brought shame.”
Atienza appeared to be taking a swipe at Bongbong Marcos, as he also criticized the former senator’s father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
“Naghalal tayo once upon a time ng pinakamatalinong Pilipino, pinakamatalinong abugado. Anong ginawa niya? Nilaspag niya ang kaban ng bayan, at umalis na mahirap na mahirap ang Pilipino [Once upon a time, we elected the smartest Filipino, the smartest lawyer. What did he do? He squandered public funds, and he left Filipinos deep in poverty,” the congressman said, later naming the former president.
Pacquiao’s camp claimed some 25,000 supporters attended the event, which ran for over four hours.
Two of his senatorial candidates were physically present: former Eastern Samar governor Lutz Barbo and broadcaster Raffy Tulfo. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was represented by his celebrity girlfriend Bianca Manalo, while others sent recorded messages.
