Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) – Presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao has warned of jail time for scammers reportedly using his name, saying he is looking into offering a cash reward for information that would lead to their arrest.
His camp on Thursday said it has received reports of individuals swindling residents in various barangays in Candaba, Pampanga. They supposedly trick voters into paying ₱250 each for an ID card, which they claimed could be used to get cash and groceries from Pacquiao once he holds his campaign rally in the area.
Dozens were said to have been scammed.
“Ipahuhuli ko ang mga gumagawa nito. Kapag hindi kayo lumantad diyan, mapipilitan akong magbigay ng reward para lamang madampot kayo,” Pacquiao warned in a press briefing .
[Translation: I will have these criminals arrested. If you don’t surrender to authorities, I will be forced to give a cash reward just so you’ll be caught.]
The senator also lamented how the poor are the ones targeted by the swindlers.
“Alam ninyo halang ang kaluluwa ng mga ito eh. Kung iisipin natin, ang mga binibiktima ninyo isang kahig isang tuka – ang mga mahihirap,” he added.
[Translation: These people have no conscience. Come to think of it, their victims are those who just have enough to get by – the poor.]
According to Pacquiao’s team, the cases were already relayed to local police.
