COUNTERPUNCH. Senator Manny Pacquiao (left) was advised by Senator Ping Lacson and Senate President Tito Sotto (3rd and 4th from left) on Friday (July 2, 2021) to have solid evidence in his corruption allegations. Pacquiao accused the government of anomalies in its Covid-19 response programs. (Senate file photo)
MANILA – Glancing blows will not suffice, Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Panfilo Lacson advised Senator Manny Pacquiao on Friday.
Reacting to the champion boxer’s criticism of the administration and allegations of corruption in addressing the Covid 19 pandemic, Lacson advised Pacquiao that "to land a knockout against corruption, make sure all your exposes are backed by solid evidence".
Lacson and Sotto met Pacquiao on Friday at the Office of the Senate President.
"Our advice to him was to make sure the evidence he has is substantial, because if only one item in his exposé turns out to be lacking or baseless, that is what the public will remember," Lacson said in a radio interview.
Lacson also said he hopes the word war between Pacquiao and President Rodrigo Duterte will not become personal.
"It is sad to see two allies and friends have this word war in public. I hope they can stick to the issues and not make their word war personal," he said.
The President has dared Pacquiao to back his allegations, to which he countered that he has the documents.
On Thursday during the American Independence Day celebration at the United States Embassy in Manila, Pacquiao said he merely wanted to help the government curb corruption.
The eight-division world champion will not have the time anymore to support his allegations as he is leaving for the US on Saturday to train for his Aug. 21 (Aug. 22, Philippine time) fight with American Errol Spence Jr., the undefeated World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation welterweight champion. (PNA)
