Pacquiao says he's willing to release SALN
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential aspirant Manny Pacquiao said Wednesday that he sees no problem with releasing his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth to the public.
“Open ako. Proud naman ako na isapubliko ang SALN ko. Buhay itinaya ko, dugo at pawis ang puhunan ko,” Pacquaio said in an interview with reporters.
(I am open [to releasing my SALN]. I am proud to publicize my SALN. I put my blood, my sweat, my entire life into this.)
“Talagang pinaghirapan ko ‘yan at ‘yung iba tinulong ko sa taumbayan,” he added.
(I worked hard for all of what I earned. Some of it I have already given to the people.)
Based on the summary of SALNs posted on Senate’s website, Pacquiao declared a net worth of P3,187,092,600.69 in 2020, making him the second richest senator. Sen. Cynthia Villar was the wealthiest member in the upper chamber, with a net worth of P3,875,696,435.
President Rodrigo Duterte, whom Pacquiao hopes to succeed, stopped releasing his SALNs in recent years, deferring instead to the Office of the Ombudsman that has custody over the wealth declaration documents of the president, vice president and constitutional officials.
Presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Monday he is “perfectly willing to release” SALNs. However, earlier that day, he said he would rather not release it since wealth declarations can be used by political opponents.
The SALN is a public document that government officials are required to submit.
Face-to-face debates
Pacquiao said he wants face-to-face debates with fellow presidential aspirants with all candidates present.
“Hindi naman pagka-barangay captain ang tinatakbuhan natin, hindi ito pagka-konsehal, kundi pangulo ng bansa. Nararapat lamang na ipakita ‘yung sincerity mo na you’re willing to serve, ready to serve the country,” he said.
(We’re not running for the position of barangay captain or councilor, but we’re running for presidency. It is necessary to show sincerity that you’re willing to serve, ready to serve the country.)
Marcos did not attend "The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews" which was supposed to feature the top five aspirants in pre-election surveys. His campaign spokesperson said Marcos believes that Soho, a multi-awarded journalist, is biased against his family.
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