Pacquiao: Those who vote for thieves are dumb

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Manny Pacquiao lashed out at critics who continue to question his intelligence and capability to lead the country if he wins the presidency, saying those who will vote for thieves are the ones who are dumb.

Pacquiao did not mince words in describing people who will choose crooks for their next leaders.

“They say Manny Pacquiao is dumb. That’s not true. The dumbest Filipinos are those who will vote for the corrupt,” he said in a speech during a campaign sortie in Pangasinan on Thursday.

Without giving names, he said there are many corrupt officials in government – from the national level down to the local units.

He urged voters to think carefully when choosing candidates and select only those whose priority is the country’s welfare.

Pacquiao, after receiving a warm reception in Pangasinan province, downplayed the so-called solid North, often said to be the bailiwick of the Marcoses, as nothing but a myth as he revealed that his camp has the support of 3,000 pastors and their followers.

He urged Pangasinenses to learn from the lessons of the past and vote for righteous leaders who believe in God.

Pacquiao reiterated his campaign promise of free housing for the poor, a program that would be allotted P400 billion each year during his first three years in office.

Pacquiao highlighted how he had worked hard to help the needy by giving away at least 10 percent of his earnings, even when he was just a boxer and not a politician.