Pacquiao stands by corruption claims against DOH

Senator Manny Pacquiao stated he is not attacking President Rodrigo Duterte but is helping him in his advocacy to clean the government.

Pacquiao previously identified the Department of Health (DOH) as one agency where corruption has worsened, questioning Secretary Francisco Duque about procurements and the use of borrowed funds for the pandemic response.

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque denied the allegations and stated he submitted the DOH's fund utilization report to Pacquiao's office.

However, Pacquiao insisted the evidence he has against DOH is "black and white" and involves transactions within the agency.

President Duterte questioned the timing of Pacquiao's corruption allegations, suggesting the senator has been silent for too long and might be influenced by his political ambitions.

Duterte also implied that Pacquiao's actions might be a way to preempt the endorsement of the ruling party, PDP-Laban, for the 2022 presidential elections, as Pacquiao is considered a potential candidate.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque commented that Pacquiao's attacks on President Duterte were "a bad move" and that the President continues to await Pacquiao's evidence of corruption.

Roque urged Pacquiao to identify corrupt agencies and present his evidence so the President can investigate and take action.