LIMAY, Bataan: Senatorial candidate and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao rode a motorcycle Big Bike in his campaign sortie in Bataan and visited public markets in some vote-rich towns in the province on Monday.
The former senator, under President Marcos’ Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, on board a motorcycle with some other riders went to the public markets in Dinalupihan, Balanga City and Mariveles, areas in Bataan with big number of voters, and the picturesque mountain town of Morong.
After Balanga City, Pacquiao with wife Jinky made a courtesy call with Limay Mayor Jason David and waited for the arrival of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas co-candidates Francis Tolentino and Benhur Abalos to address the big crowd at the Limay Sports complex.
Everywhere the boxing icon went, he was mobbed by people requesting for selfie or photo shoot.
He granted a short interview with local reporters, explaining that he loves visiting public markets where poor people whose welfare he is fighting for frequent. “Ang ipinaglalaban natin ay para sa mga mahihirap. Siguro alam naman ng lahat na ang programa ko ay libreng pabahay para sa mahihirap saka sustainable livelihood at hanapbuhay sa mga pamilya na walang hanapbuhay.”
“Kapag nahalal akong muli, sisiguraduhn natin na maisabatas na ang i-finile ko noon ng senador ako na batas sa senate na SB2463 which is free public housing act. Hindi lang naisabatas noon pero ngayon sisiguraduhin ko na maisabatas iyon para magkaroon na ng pondo ang libreng pabahay para sa mahihirap,” Pacquiao said.
He said that once he becomes a senator again, he will review and question why the budget for the DepEd was slashed. “Very important ‘yan at hindi pwedeng maliitin ang budget ng DepEd kumpara sa DPWH.”
“Palalakasin natin ang sports, iaayos natin kasi hindi konkreto ang programa ng sports sa atin eh kaya wala tayong napo-produce na magagaling. Mahina, matumal ang pagproduce sa atin ng magagaling na atleta so gagawa tayo ng programa ng pang-local na programang pang-grass root level para madevelop natin ang mga kabataan.” Pacquiao furthered.
He said he will support the construction of the Cavite – Bataan Interlink Bridge. “Kailangan matapos iyan, mapabilis ang pagtapos. Bigyan ng budget dahil napakalaking luwag niyan para sa mga tao at makakabuti sa ekonomiya natin yan kasi kasama sa ekonomiya natin ang transportation.”
