Pacquiao on falling out with Chavit: Iniwan ako sa ere

Senator Manny Pacquiao, a presidential aspirant in 2022, on Friday said longtime ally, Chavit Singson, “left me in the air” following a disagreement over the increase in alcohol and tobacco taxes.

“Tapos na po 'yang issue na ‘yan. Iniwanan na nga po ako sa ere, iniwanan na ako ngayon dahil nanindigan po tayo sa tama,” Pacquiao said in an interview on ANC when asked on Singson's possible role if he wins in the 2022 presidential race.

(That issue is already over. He left me hanging because I stood for what is right.)

Even though the incumbent Narvacan, Ilocos Sur mayor withdrew his support for him, Pacquiao said he does not hold a grudge against Singson as he is one of the godfathers of his children.

Asked to provide details on the reason behind their estrangement, Pacquiao said they clashed regarding increasing alcohol and tobacco taxes.

“Nagsimula ang issue nung kinausap niya ako about sa tobacco tax increase. Hindi ko siya pinagbigyan,” Pacquiao disclosed.

(It started when he talked to me about the tobacco tax increase. I did not give in to his request.)

“Sabi ko hindi na kakayanin ng puso ko na mag-increase ng taxes sa basic commodities, ‘yung mga  pagkain, yung ginagamit ng mga tao araw-araw. Ang gusto ko doon na lang mag-increase ng taxes, doon na lang sa tobacco tax at alcohol tax,” he added.

(I told him, I cannot bear increasing the taxes on basic commodities like food. What I want to increase was the tobacco and alcohol tax.)

Singson had talk to him twice about the matter, but Pacquiao said he stood his ground and still pushed for the bill increasing the so-called sin taxes.

In 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the measure increasing the excise tax on tobacco products.

Pacquiao was one of the principal authors of Republic Act 11346, which imposed an excise tax increase of P45 to P60 per cigarette pack beginning 2020 until 2023, and 5% yearly increase starting January 1, 2024.

GMA News Online has sought Singson’s comment on Pacquiao’s remarks, but he has yet to respond as of posting time. —KBK, GMA News