BACOLOD City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya said over the weekend he spent his own money to personally witness the fight of Senator Manny Pacquiao against Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas last November 6.
Gasataya’s statement came after Ombudsman Conchita-Carpio Morales said Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa will be investigated for possible violation of Republic Act 6713 or Code of Ethical Standards for Public Officials for going to Las Vegas to watch the Pacquiao-Vargas fight.
It has been reported that Pacquiao shouldered the airfare and hotel accommodations of Dela Rosa and other public officials.
The PNP chief himself had admitted that Pacquiao sponsored his and his family’s trip.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales had said they will conduct a fact-finding investigation for the top cop's possible violation of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and Presidential Decree 46, which makes public officials and employees accountable for receiving, and for private persons to give, gifts on any occasion, including Christmas.
Gasataya, for his part, said he has proof that he paid for his trip, adding that his trip to Las Vegas was not mainly for the fight of Pacquiao, who is an adopted son of Bacolod.
Still, during the fight, Gasataya said he was proud of being a Filipino and a Bacolodnon to have witnessed how the Americans and other nationals looked up and cheered for Pacquiao.
Along with Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who held the Philippine flag during the fight, he met with Bacolodnons who are based in the US especially those in California and Las Vegas to discuss some projects for the city.
“We discussed with them our plans for the next three years especially for the next Masskara Festival,” Gasataya said.
He added that they also met with potential American investors who are interested to bring their business processes outsourcing companies to Bacolod.
The investors are planning to visit Bacolod first quarter of next year, said Gasataya, who returned to Bacolod together with Leonardia on Saturday.