Pacquiao on Isko defectors: Baka 'yung iba sa akin pupunta

PLARIDEL, Misamis Occidental — Senator Manny Pacquiao is hoping some members of Ikaw Muna Pilipinas, which has initially endorsed the presidential bid of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, will defect to him.

"Siguro hindi naman lahat pupunta sa kabila, dito rin naman sa atin siguro dahil si Isko may background ng mahirap," Pacquiao said in a press conference on Tuesday, amid reports that some members of IM Pilipinas have switched to Vice President Leni Robredo.

(Perhaps not all of them will shift to the other side, the others can shift their support to us because Isko has a background of having experienced poverty.)

Asked to comment on the alleged defections, Pacquiao said it would be better to have Moreno speak about it himself.

"Sa tingin ko si Isko ang dapat tanungin diyan sa tanong na 'yan dahil supporters niya eh, at kailangan matanong sila baka nagkaroon sila ng problema sa kampo nila," he said

"Hindi naman siguro lahat pupunta kay Leni," Pacquiao added. "Baka 'yung iba sa akin pupunta 'yun."

(I think it would be best to ask Isko regarding the issue because they were his supporters. They may have problems in their group. But perhaps not all will shift to Leni, others may support me instead.)

Last week, IM Pilipinas Visayas lead convenor Nick Malazarte endorsed Robredo's candidacy, saying she can prevent the return of the Marcos family to power.

Moreno's camp has downplayed the shift of support. —KBK, GMA News