Pacquiao dares 'traitorous Filipinos' to visit Pag-asa Island

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Newly appointed National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) lead convenor Manny Pacquiao dared Filipinos, who have questionable allegiance to the country, to come and visit Pag-asa Island amid the tensions between China and the Philippines.

In Jonathan Andal’s report in “24 Oras Weekend” on Saturday, some residents of Pag-asa Island are already used to the Chinese vessels surrounding them.

“We are not afraid because I don’t think they will harm us given that we are civilians,” said Myra Gonzales.

But there are others who cannot help but worry about their situation.

“I wish there’s a Filipino vessel on standby. For us fishermen, we cannot help but worry,” said Fernan Lozada, a fisherman and local government employee.

For his part, Pacquiao condemned the presence of Chinese ships inside Philippine territory.

“Naiinsulto tayo, kasi in our territory, nandiyan sila. Parang nabu-bully tayo,” he said during his first visit to the island which is located 500 kilometers west of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

(It’s insulting that they are in our territory. It seems that they are bullying us.)

“Doon sa mga Pilipino na medyo traydor, dapat pumunta kayo dito para ma-experience niyo ba,” Pacquiao added.

(To those Filipinos who are slightly traitorous, you should visit here and experience what it’s like.)

Alongside Pacquiao, Presidential Adviser for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino, House Deputy Majority Leader Keith Flores, Aklan Representative Jesus Marquez, and other government personnel also visited Pag-asa Island to extend assistance to the municipality.

“I cannot express how happy I am. This is the first time that almost all government agencies sent representatives to visit us,” said Kalayaan Mayor Billy Alindogan.

Compared to conditions on the island a few years ago, Kalayaan has seen development. The airport now has a cemented runway along with a hangar and terminal.

The seaport was also improved. There are also newly built school buildings.

A rural health unit is also being built to serve residents.

During the recent visit of government officials, Alindogan took the opportunity to relay his requests for their town such as typhoon-resilient housing, a drainage system, and an evacuation center.

The Kalayaan Mayor also sought for a water filtration system and a new municipal hall.

“We will talk to the House Speaker regarding the requests of the mayor,” said Flores. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News