GENERAL SANTOS CITY ? Manny Pacquiao Thursday night launched his campaign for a congressional seat in the first district of South Cotabato by blaming his rival, Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio for what he called the province?s continued regression.
“Hindi ako tatakbo kung may nakikita akong improvement o development sa lugar namin. Mula noon hanggang ngayon, walang nagbago,” Pacquiao said at his mansion where he hosted dinner for Team Unity senatorial candidates.
Pacquiao accused Antonino of engaging in destructive politics, citing her role in the impeachment attempts against President Arroyo.
Pacquiao said President Arroyo has vowed to pour in funding for projects in his district once he wins.
Rep. Custodio said Pacquiao?s allegations were “unfair and unfounded.
She said her father Adelbert and mother Luwalhati did all they could to improve their district noting that hundreds of establishments and banks were established during their watch.
Adelbert was congressman from 1987-1992. He was mayor of General Santos in 1992-1995 and 1998-2001.
Luwalhati Antonino was congresswoman for three terms from 1992-2001.
Rep. Antonino said that it was her family that built the P1 billion General Santos City airport and established a foundation to help the poor.
She said more than 500 food establishments have cropped up along with more than 50 banks and that 4.9 percent of the district?s population are immigrants.
“Nakakalungkot na ang ibang tao nakikita ang development sa Gen San ngunit si Manny na taga Gen San ay hindi. Sana imulat niya ang kanyang mga mata,” she said.
Custodio also downplayed Pacquiao?s popularity.
“Sikat din naman ako sa mga tao dito at nakita naman nila kung ano ang ipinaglalaban ko,” she said. ? Wendell Vigilia
