Rep. Manny Pacquiao's yatch, Sarangani's Pride.

But some netizens point out, unlike corrupt politicians, the Pacman is using his own money

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing superstar and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao is getting hit for purchasing a P25-million Italian-made yacht while thousands are suffering due to damages caused by tropical storm Sendong.

Pacquiao’s decision to buy a multi-million peso boat didn’t sit well with some of his countrymen in light of a major disaster affecting the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

“I do have a major problem when I see bodies left in the mud, children begging for food aid, and the military working day and night to bring relief to the affected areas, only to be told that Manny just bought a 25M Peso boat,” said “ngarcia1966” in abs-cbnNEWS.com’s comments space.

“Manny, do yourself a favor. Take the money you spent on the jet skis and donate it to those in need (I heard we're close to Christmas),” he added.

“Unleadedzeppelin” said that as a political figure, Pacquiao should have been more sensitive to his countrymen’s plight.

“He was elected to be a public official yet the only news that comes out of this guy is extravagant, ostentatious and gross display of wealth. Even if youre the richest man alive, theres no need to flaunt it to our faces, have some respect and be sensitive to our plight. And you wanted to be President of the Philippines?” he said.

“Pilosopong hangal” said that although Pacquiao has the right to spend his money he pleases, he said the boxing champion has no right to flaunt his riches at a time when many of his people are suffering.

“Totoo rin pinaghirapan nya ng husto ang mga luho nya ngayon pero… dapat mo bang pamukha sa kanila na kayangkaya mong bumili ng PHP25M na bangka ganunganun lang samantalang halos walang makain sa noche buena karamihan sa atin, wag nang isali ang mga paminsanminsang trahedya gaya ng sendong?” he said.

'Better than corrupt politicians'

Others defended Pacquiao’s right to spend his hard-earned riches.

“Hindi nyo dapat pinapakailaman ang pang personal na pangangailangan ni pacmam lamnatin lahat kung panu nya nakamtan ang mga bagay na un...' wag kayong mag husga kung wala kayong alam sa pagka tao ni pacman......” said “Compaq.”

“Insider619” said that unlike corrupt politicians who steal from the public treasury, Pacquiao is spending his own money.

“Pacquiao is spending his own hard earned money. Unlike to corrupt politicians (sic) who raids the coffers of the Philippine government. He is building a hospital in part using his own money. Who does that in the Philippines? He made the Philippines relevant and made the Fil-Ams proud. He provides free medical services and medicines. What else do you want from him? By the way, ngarcia1966, what have you done? Did you contribute or donated in any way? Put up or shut-up!” said Insider619.

“Bayan kong pilipinas” challenged critics to take up boxing to experience how Pacquiao got his wealth.

“Inggit lang po ang umiiral sa mga pumupuna sa pagbili ni Pacman ng Yatch. Pinaghirapan po ni Pacman yung pera na ibinili nya ng Yatch hindi po ‘NINAKAW’… Inggit lang kayo, ang payo ko sa inyo iligo lang yan tapos itulog nyo o di kaya mag-boxing na lang din kayo.”

Pacquiao, however, joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives in their efforts to help the survivors of Sendong.

"He immediately complied with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte's call for all congressmen to slash P1-million from their PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Funds)," Pacquiao's legal adviser, Atty. Franklin Gacal said.

Pacquiao also sent in his staff to the badly-hit areas of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.

"Kinausap ko ang mga staff ko ngayon, magpadala ng relief goods para makatulong sa ating mga kababayan doon," Pacquiao said.