MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine National Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa is willing to go to jail if it turns out he broke the law by going on a trip to Las Vegas that Sen. Manny Pacquiao paid for as a gift.
"Kung talagalng lalabas sa investigation na ako ay may kasalanan na nagawa, I'm willing to go to jail. Kung ikulong nila ako, okay lang sakin," Dela Rosa said in a press briefing early on Monday.
Dela Rosa admitted that Sen. Manny Pacquiao paid for everything when he and his family flew to Las Vegas to watch the senator's recent fight with Jessie Vargas.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has reportedly initiated a probe to look into whether receiving the gift was a violation of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The law penalizes receiving gifts "from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office."
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Dela Rosa added he respects the Office Of the Ombudsman, saying it is just doing its job.
"Basta what is important, is that I am honest. Hindi ako nag sisinungaling. Sinabi ko lang yung katotohanan para transparent tayo," Dela Rosa said.
"Hindi ko po hinihingi iyon, hindi po ako nang-hingi, kusa pong binigay, inoffer ng aking kaibigan at kumpadre o kumpare na si Senador Manny Pacquiao," Dela he added.
Pacquiao reportedly shouldered the travel and hotel accommodation expenses of a handful of supporters who wanted to watch his fight.
"Anyway, hindi po ako nag-sisisi dahil nabigyan ko ng quality time ang aking pamilya, at libre pa. OK lang kung mapunta ako sa kulungan," Dela Rosa said, adding that his conscience is clean.
Dela Rosa also thanks Pacquiao for defending him on the issue. He said he has known Pacquiao since the senator was just starting his boxing career.