Billionaire Senator Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday posed his “ayuda challenge” to all politicians, saying this is the best opportunity for them to help the people still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead of accusing him of vote-buying for giving relief and cash aid during his campaign sorties, Pacquiao told them to just do the same, especially now that it is Christmas season.
The senator, who is running for president under PROMDI, has reportedly been giving P500 to P1,000 bills to people who have trooped to his campaign sorties.
Meanwhile, the world boxing champion turned politician said Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi was the reason for the infighting in the ruling PDP-Laban party, an allegation the latter had already rejected.
In a TeleRadyo interview, the presidential aspirant accused Cusi, who leads a faction of the ruling party, of having “vested interests” but he did not elaborate.
“The reason [for the infighting] is Cusi. We saw he has a lot of vested interest in the party. Eventually, they left the party. No one ran for president under the PDP,” said Pacquiao in Filipino.
Meanwhile, in talking to the media after going around San Pedro and Biñan in Laguna province last Tuesday, Pacquiao reiterated his “ayuda” challenge, urging other candidates to follow suit.
He insisted he has been giving relief and cash to the people since 2002 and would continue doing so until it is already prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code.
Waving the Philippine flag just like he did during his fights, Pacquiao went around the cities of San Pedro, Biñan, and Sta. Rosa on a float, as people poured into the streets to show their support.
Pacquiao said he can never abandon his commitment to share his blessings as much as he can because he can never bring any of his earthly treasures when he goes to the afterlife.
“Now if they are envious, do the same. Lalung-lalo na yung mga nagnanakaw sa gobyerno, ibigay nila yung pera sa taumbayan, “ he added. [That goes for those who stole from the government, let them give back the people’s money.]
After a short courtesy visit to San Pedro City Mayor Lourdes Cataquiz, where they also exchanged tokens — Cataquiz gave Pacquiao the key to the city while she got autographed boxing gloves — the “People’s Champ” toured the city, dishing out t-shirts, ballers, face masks and even some cash to residents.
His motorcade then proceeded to Biñan for another courtesy call on Laguna Rep. Len Alonte.
Pacquiao continued to Sta. Rosa City, where he also met with Mayor Arlene Arcillas before joining another motorcade throughout the city.
