Exclusive - Sen. Manny Pacquiao Says He Will Support PDU30 If He Declares Martial Law: 'It Will Be for the People'

Neophyte senator Manny Pacquiao supported President Rodrigo Duterte's stance on declaring martial law.

Pacquiao defended the President by reassuring the people that Duterte's decisions will never put them in danger.

“Hindi naman basta-basta magde-desisyon ang Pangulo. Wala naman hangad yan kung hindi para sa bayan,” he said in an interview.

The senator expressed his support for Duterte if he ever implement martial law, especially when the imposition involves the war on illegal drugs.

“Para sa’kin, irerespeto ko kung ano yung desisyon niya… Kasi kahit ako nakikita ko, nanonood ako palagi ng news, yung mga tao — can you imagine massive na yung campaign against illegal drugs tapos ang tigas ng ulo ng mga tao, ayaw huminto,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquaio even added that he trusts the president and the Filipino people should do so as well. According to the senator, Duterte has never done something that will only serve himself.

“Kilala ko si Presidente. Ina-assure ko sa kanila na lahat ng ginagawa ng pangulo para sa taongbayan. Wala siyang gagawin para sa kanyang sarili. Believe me, believe me,” he said.

Duterte's recent remark about martial law alarmed the masses. He said over the weekend that no one can stop him, not even the Supreme Court, if he will declare it in order to preserve the Filipinos and the integrity of the country.

“I have to declare martial law, if have to, to preserve my country ... and the Filipino people.... Walang makapipigil sa akin ... wala nang invasion, invasion.” the president quoted.

Aside from Sen. Pacquiao,

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto also defended Duterte from his critics.

“He’s just stating a fact but he’s not saying that he’s going to declare martial law,” he said during an interview with reporters.

Meanwhile, Sen. Leila de Lima, a vocal critic of the president said that his administration might be "engaging in self-contradiction."

She noted that while they are entertaining the idea of martial law, they boast on winning their war on drugs.

“Alin po ba ang totoo? Nag-i-improve ho ba ang sitwasyon natin sa larangan ng pagsusugpo ng problema sa droga o lumalala? Kasi kung hindi naman lumalala at nag-i-improve, what is the necessity for martial law?” she said.

On the other hand, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar blames the media for "misreporting" Duterte's statement.

“Such headlines sow panic and confusion to many. We consider this kind of reportage as the height of journalistic irresponsibility,” he said.