South China Sea: Manny Pacquiao to form peace panel to resolve row with Beijing if elected Philippine president
- The boxer-turned-presidential candidate sought to deepen ties with the US and said China ‘should not abuse and trample on’ the Philippines’ rights
- Pacquiao also said he will ‘continue the war on illegal drugs in the right way’, with suspects given a fair trial
The Southeast Asian nation has been locked in a dispute with Beijing in South China Sea, a key global trade gateway and energy source.
Who’s who in Philippine presidential election, and their China policies
Pacquiao also said at the forum that he plans to further lower personal income and corporate tax rates, while improving revenue collection by fighting corruption.
“My presidency will be bloody for corrupt officials. I will personally drag them all to prison. Corruption is the root of all our suffering,” he said.
The athlete-turned-politician, who tied in third place with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in the latest presidential poll, further said that he plans to attract votes from the masses and the southern Mindanao island where he comes from to overcome Marcos’s huge lead.
“It’s still early. If this is a boxing match, we’re still on Round 4 or 5, and this is a 12-round match. I believe that the D and E classes are with me. I will fight for them. I know that they are silently supporting me,” he said.
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Protesters call for Duterte to step down as Philippine president defends his drug war policies
Drugs war probe
The 43-year-old said he would be open to rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC), which Duterte unilaterally withdrew the Philippines from in 2018.
Duterte’s presidency has been defined by his war on drugs, during which thousands of alleged dealers have been killed.
Rights groups and critics say law enforcers have summarily executed drug suspects, but police say those killed were armed and had violently resisted arrest.
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Pacquiao has sought to set himself apart from Duterte, saying he will “continue the war on illegal drugs in the right way”, with suspects given a fair trial and rehabilitated.
“When I said the right way, we will not kill them in the streets,” he said.
“They will be given the right to defend themselves in court.”
Duterte caused international outrage with his war on drugs and has dared the ICC to investigate him for crimes against humanity.
He has maintained those killed were all dealers who had violently resisted arrest and has publicly encouraged police to shoot suspects in self-defence, and said he would pardon those jailed for the killings.
The president’s office did not respond to requests for comment on Pacquiao’s remarks.
Analysts say an ally getting elected president this year could protect Duterte from any legal action over his anti-narcotics programme.
“I believe there [have been] extrajudicial killings,” Pacquiao said of the crackdown. “We should give justice to those abused.”
