Pacquiao vows to jail corrupt gov't officials if he becomes president

Senator Manny Pacquiao on Saturday reiterated that fighting corruption in the government and charging corrupt officials will be among his top priorities if he becomes president.

During the presidential debate organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Pacquiao warned thieves, including those in the government, that will be sent to jail under his administration.

"Talagang ang sinasama ng loob ko, 'yung mga kawatan diyan sa gobyerno, 'yung mapagsamantala diyan sa gobyerno. Pagdating ng panahon 'yan talaga ang sugpuin ko. Bakit nagkaganito ang mga tao? Because of them. Dahil walang development, walang opportunity na naibibigay natin sa taongbayan," he said.

"'Pag si Manny Pacquiao ang naging presidente, humanda na kayong mga kawatan diyan sa gobyerno dahil ipapakita ko sa inyo ang kakaibang administrasyon ni Manny Pacquiao na ang mga kawatan magsama-sama sa kulungan. Mark my word," Pacquiao added.

(What I really hate is the corrupt in the government. When the time comes I will really fight them. Why do people become poor? Because of them. Because there is no development, there is no opportunity that we can give to the people. When Manny Pacquiao becomes president, these thieves in the government will have to be ready because I will send them to jail. Mark my word.)

Pacquiao was responding to a question on what the presidential candidates have so far learned during their campaign that strengthened their plans for the country.

The former world boxing champion stressed that his campaign style is not to put up big stages and invite celebrities to perform, but rather go to barangays and poor areas to know the plight of the people there.

As someone who hails from a poor family, Pacquiao said he always has a soft spot for the needy..

"Tuwing nakikita ko ang mga mahihirap, parang dinudurog 'yung puso ko. Parang nakikita ko ang sarili ko nung araw nung ako ay mahirap," he said.

(Every time I see the poor, it feels like my heart is being crushed. It was as if I could see myself during the time I was poor.) —KBK, GMA News