By Deighton Acuin

PHOTO: PCOO

President Rodrigo Duterte challenged Senator Manny Pacquiao to name officials and government agencies that are involved in corruption activities.

In his weekly Talk to the People program, Duterte made the challenge after Pacquiao recently claimed that his administration was more corrupt than the administration of his predecessors.

"I'm challenging him. Ituro mo ang opisina na corrupt at ako na ang bahala. Within one week may gawin ako. Maglista ka, Pacquiao, na sinasabi mong two times kaming corrupt. Ilista mo ‘yung mga tao at opisina at dapat nilista mo na noon at ibigay mo sa akin," he said.

If the senator did not prove that such accusations are true, Duterte said he will campaign against the latter due to not performing his duties.

"If you fail to do that, I will campaign against you because you are not doing your duty. Do it, because if not I will just tell the people, do not vote for Pacquiao because he is a liar," the chief executive said.

This was not the first time Duterte chided Pacquiao due to criticisms. On June 9, the president told the senator to study more as the latter said the former’s foreign policy with China over the West Philippine Sea dispute is lacking.


"It's about foreign policy, I wouldn't want to degrade him but, next time, he should – mag-aral ka muna nang husto bago ka gumawa ng statement," said Duterte in an interview with religious leader Apollo Quiboloy.

Pacquiao then responded to Duterte’s remark, saying he is just asserting what needs to be said on the issue.


"I regret that the President was misinformed regarding my statement on the West Philippine Sea Issue. I firmly believe that my statement reflects the sentiment of the majority of the Filipinos, that we should stand strong  in protecting our sovereign rights while pursuing a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the dispute," Pacquiao said in a statement on June 11.