Pacquiao vows he won't be a 'trapo'

Presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday vowed that he will not become a "trapo" or traditional politician if he is given a chance to lead the country.

During his proclamation rally in his hometown in General Santos City, Pacquiao said he is facing voters as a leader, adding that he will make sure that he will address the problems of poor Filipinos.

"Sisiguraduhin ko na ang bawat Pilipino panalo sa laban ni Manny Pacquiao at sisiguraduhin ko sa inyo na walang mahirap na inaagrabyado at inaapi," presidential aspirant and boxing legend Pacquiao said.

(I will make sure that every Filipino will win in Pacquiao's fight and I will make sure that no one will be maltreated.)

"Sisiguraduhin ko sa inyo na walang pamilya na walang sariling tahanan dahil yan po ay ginagawa ko na mula noon hanggang ngayon... Nagsasalita dito sa inyong harapan, hindi isang trapo na politiko. Nagsasalita ako sa inyong harapan bilang inyong lider at tagapagtanggol," he added.

(I will make sure that every family will have a home because I've been doing this before and until now. I am speaking before you not as a traditional politician but as a leader and defender.)

He also underscored his priorities if he gets elected as president, including programs on housing, improving education, giving aid, and livelihood.

Pacquiao likewise said he will improve the internet signal and improve transportation services in the country.

Respect Duterte's decision

In a press conference before his rally, Pacquiao said he will respect President Rodrigo Duterte's decision not to support any candidates for now.

But Pacquiao added that he still seeks support from fellow Visayans.

"Hindi naman natin siya pwede pangunahan. Alam ko naman na most of Bisaya na mga tao ay susuporta rin sa kapwa Bisaya. Sino pa ba ang magtutulung tulungan? Kami rin,"  said Pacquiao.

(We can't preempt his decision. I know that most Visayans will support their fellow Visayan. We can only help each other.)

He also said coming from the Visayas will be an asset in his campaign.

"Yes, ako lang nakakapagsalita ng Bisaya, ng ilonggo. Sino ba naman magtutulungan kami lang din," added the senator.

(I am the only one who speaks Visayan, Ilonggo. Who will help each other? only us.)

President Duterte revealed in his recent Talk to the People that he will not express support to candidates at this time unless there is a compelling reason to do so.

On former Bayan Muna party-list Representative Neri Colmenares' preference to join Vice President Leni Robredo's slate, Pacquiao said he respects Colmenares' decision, adding that he has many guest candidates.

"Okay lang, decision naman nila (Colmenares) yun. At least alam natin. Alam natin kung ano yung naging decision nila. (It's their decision. At least we know their decision.)," said Colmenares.

Colmenares was included in Pacquiao and labor leader Leody De Guzman's senatorial slates. -- BAP, GMA News