Pacquiao to push for creation of Sandiganbayan, Ombudsman offices in Visayas, Mindanao

Presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday proposed having Sandiganbayan and Ombudsman offices in Visayas and Mindanao to address corruption in the country.

"Pagdating ng panahon, hindi lamang dito sa Maynila ang Ombudsman at Sandiganbayan. Maglagay din tayo sa Visayas and Mindanao para 'yung kaso roon, doon na lang din sa Mindanao," Pacquiao said at the Go Negosyo's Kandidatalks interview.

(When the time comes, the Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan won't just be in Manila. We will put up their offices in Visayas and Mindanao so their cases will be heard, in let's say Mindanao.)

Aside from the Sandiganbayan and Ombudsman regional offices, Pacquiao also proposed the creation of a special court that will handle corruption issues.

"Mag-create tayo ng special court para sa corruption issue. Example, may tinatawag diyan na division 1, division 2, division 3. 'Yung division 1 na lang i-specialize mo na corruption issue, corruption cases, nando'n lahat," he added.

(Let us create a special court for corruption issues. For example, there will be division 1, division 2, division 3. Division 1 will specialize in corruption issues, corruption cases — they will all be there.)

Pacquiao pointed out that the Constitution stated that trials could be expedited in just three to six months.

He also said that should he win the presidency, during his administration there will be no parole on government officials facing corruption cases, particularly plunder.

"Pagka korapsyon ang issue ng kaso mo, plunder ang kaso mo, dapat walang parole kapag nakulong ka plus sesentensyahan ka. Dapat pagdusahan mo habambuhay hanggang sa mamatay ka roon, matapos ang buhay mo. Kasi nagnakaw ka. Isa 'yan sa mga karumaldumal at naghihirap ang mga tao."

(If your case is corruption or plunder, there should be no parole if you are jailed and sentenced. You should suffer for the rest of your life until you die there. Because you stole. That is one of the worst crimes and causes hardship among people.)

The senator said the country's judicial system "lacked budget" and is "weak."

"The more na tumagal ang kaso, the more na nagkakaroon ng areglo. Kailangan talaga ma-expedite ang bawat trials ng kaso para walang negosasyon na mangyayari," Pacquiao said.

(The more a case drags on, the more that there will be fixing. Each trial should be expedited so no negotiation will occur.) —KG, GMA News