Llamas gets support from Pacquiao, allies

PRESIDENT Aquino’s embattled political adviser Ronald Llamas may find some comfort from some of his friends who have thrown their support for him, including a world boxing champion, a leading Catholic prelate and a senator.

Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao came to Llamas’ defense, saying the issue over his “DVD shopping spree” was being used by Aquino’s opponents.

“I know Secretary Llamas and I know that he only has the welfare of our ordinary countrymen in mind,” Pacquiao said in a statement.

“He did not break any law and he has already apologized for the incident. He should even be commended for giving our poor countrymen a living. He should keep up the good work,” Pacquiao added.

Bishop Deogracias Iniguez of Kalookan, meanwhile, said the Catholic Church was “well aware of the important role of Secretary Llamas in ensuring good governance” and hoped that “he would continue to perform a bigger role in the anti-corruption campaign years ahead.”

For his part, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano asked Llamas’ detractors to let the Palace discipline him.

Cayetano said Llamas “has already apologized to the president and promised to act within the bounds of the law and the code of conduct and ethical behavior for all public officials. We should leave it at that.”

“The truth of the matter is that Sec. Llamas clearly plays and has been playing a significant role in the Aquino administration’s war against corruption, particularly in gathering solid evidence and building airtight cases against former president [Gloria] Arroyo and other officials of the previous administration,” he added.

Llamas also drew support from personalities coming from a broad spectrum of society. Deputy Commissioner Danilo Lim, former University of the Philippines president Francisco Nemenzo, and even singer Noel Cabangon, who said he has known Llamas for a long time since their days together in the “parliament of the streets.”

“The incident involving Ronald was at most improper. As an artist I believe in copyright protection but the reaction to this incident has been grossly disproportionate and overly sensationalized,” Cabangon said.

Report from Manila Standard