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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Anything is possible,' Palace says on Duterte endorsing Pacquiao in 2022

'Anything is possible,' Palace says on Duterte endorsing Pacquiao in 2022

Published Jun 29, 2021 05:14 pm

They may hit a rough patch in their friendship but it seems there may be a chance President Duterte and Senator Manny Pacquiao can still mend ties.

President Rodrigo Duterte attends Senator Manny Pacquiao’s 38th birthday celebration at the KCC Mall Events & Convention Center in General Santos City on December 17, 2016. (Malacañang)

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque has not ruled out the possibility that the President may even endorse the election bid of Pacquiao in next year's elections.

"Hindi naman po definitely because in the realm of politics, although I’m not a veteran person in politics ‘no, anything is possible," Roque said during a televised press briefing when asked if Pacquiao is no longer part of the President's list of potential presidential bets in next year's polls.

"But for now, mainit po (it is hot)," he added.

Pacquiao is among the four politicians included in the President's list of preferred possible successors. The list included the President's daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., and Senator Christopher Go.

Roque however admitted that the relations between Duterte and Pacquiao were "not cordial" at present following their disagreement on some issues.

The President, in a televised address Monday, June 28, challenged Pacquiao to prove his claim that his government was three times more corruption than previous administrations or else he would campaign against him in the polls.

Duterte threatened to expose Pacquiao as a "liar" if he could not name the corrupt officials. He was also disappointed with Pacquiao for supposedly praising the government in recent years but hurl corruption allegations only now.

Duterte is the chairman of the ruling PDP-Laban party while Pacquiao sits as president. Prior to their feud, Pacquiao has strongly supported the President and his programs, including the war on drugs.

The boxing icon however recently criticized Duterte over his alleged soft stance in defending the country's claims in West Philippine Sea. Duterte retaliated and told Pacquiao to study hard before commenting on foreign policy.

Despite the latest rift, Duterte appeared not inclined to push for the ouster of Pacquiao from the administration party. Roque said the President recognized the political party is spearheaded by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III.

"The President realizes that the PDP naman po ay talagang halos wala nang miyembro iyan bago siya pumunta diyan at kinikilala naman po niya na ang PDP ay partido ng mga Pimentel (The President realizes that the PDP almost had no member before he joined the party and he recognizes the PDP is a party led by Pimentel group)," he said.

Related Tags

President Duterte Harry Roque anything is possible Malacañang 2022 elections Manny Pacquiao
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