GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines?The country’s poverty and underdevelopment are not caused by overpopulation but by corrupt officials, world boxing wonder and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao has served notice that he would vigorously oppose the passage of the Reproductive Health bill in the Lower House.
He said government officials should stop blaming the growing population for the country?s economic woes and strive to change the situation by serving with honesty and sincerity.
?We have an annual budget and a certain amount is set aside for various projects. The problem is corruption,? Pacquiao said, adding that money intended for certain projects is being pocketed by corrupt government officials.
?I don’t believe that we are poor because there are more people. The problem is corruption,? he said.
He cited as an example China, which accounts for a third of the world’s population but is fast growing economically.
He suggested that instead of curbing the population, Filipinos should work hand in hand to address and fight corruption in the bureaucracy.
Pacquiao also said politicians should strive to change their image.
?You see, in our country, almost everyone believes that politics is synonymous to corruption,? he explained.
Pacquiao’s mother, Dionisia, meanwhile, said she was also against the passage of the RH bill.
?Why control procreation? God told us to go to the world and multiply,? she said in Filipino.
Dionisia said she believes that couples should be given the freedom to decide on the size of the family they want.
She said this could be done through natural methods.
