Presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Capitol in Bacolod City Friday, April 1* 
Manny Pacquiao with his wife, Jinky, and former Bacolod mayor Monico Puentevella (l-r) on the campaign trail in Negros Occidental Friday, April 1.* Charissa Rama, Annabelle Rama and Ruffa Gutierrez were part of Manny Pacquiao’s entourage .*Archie Alipalo photo
Presidential candidate and Senator Manny Pacquiao called on Negrenses to open their eyes if they do not want to end up living in a country under martial law again.
“I have no problem with whom you support…but I tell you, regret always comes at the end,” Pacquiao said at a press conference at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City on Friday, April 1.
Pacquiao, who was responding to a question on his chances in Negros with the majority of the mayors supporting presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said from his actions, he is already acting like a king who cannot be dictated upon.
“If you do not want freedom go ahead, but the freedom our forefathers fought and died for will all go to waste,” Pacquiao said.
“If you want our country to be under martial law again, then vote for him,” he added.
Pacquiao also denied rumors that he is withdrawing from the presidential race.
“Since when did Manny Pacquiao back out from a fight, I am fighter, I will fight on,” he said.
Pacquiao promised that if he is elected president he will pursue the building of bridges to ensure the connectivity of Panay, Guimaras, Negros and Cebu.
He also pledged to give the poor jobs, housing and sustainable livelihood.
The senator said he has asked people who have no houses to fill up forms so they will be on the priority list when he wins.
A P400 billion budget will be allocated for housing and salaries of teachers will be raised, he said.
Pacquiao also vowed to put an end to corruption in government.
The senator said he did not visit Mayor Evelio Leonardia at the Bacolod City Government Center because he was just following a schedule set for him.
He is still friends with the mayor, even if he is not supporting his bid for the presidency, Pacquiao said, amid speculation that there has been a rift in their friendship.
He does not hold anger and ill feelings against others, but he does not forget, Pacquiao also said.
The senator also said he does not endorse local candidates, when asked about the Bacolod mayoral race.
Pacquiao said he is campaigning from the ground.
He does not actively seek the support of incumbent officials because his goal to go after the corrupt should he win the presidency could be compromised, Pacquiao said.
The senator also said he is not spending all his money for his campaign because he needs to save for his family, and does not intend to steal back what he spent when elected president.
At the end of the day, he won’t steal from government, so he is thankful to his supporters who have also been volunteering and supporting him in his campaign, Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao, who arrived with his wife, Jinky, was accompanied on his campaign sorties in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City on Friday by former Bacolod mayor and representative Monico Puentevella and his son, Kalaw.
The senator paid courtesy calls on Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and mayors Mark Golez of Silay City and Neil Lizares of Talisay City, and met with pastors.
His caravan also drove by public markets in Silay, Talisay and Bacolod cities.
Also in Pacquiao’s entourage were actresses Ruffa Gutierrez, Annabelle Rama, and Rufa Mae Quinto.*