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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace unfazed by Pacquiao's possible political plans

Palace unfazed by Pacquiao's possible political plans

Published Aug 23, 2021 02:38 pm

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said it's any Filipinos' right to run for public office.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (left) and Senator Manny Pacquiao (MANILA BULLETIN file photo/ Manny Pacquiao's Instagram)

This was the terse answer Roque gave to reporters Monday, August 23 when asked what Malacañang's reaction was to the impending announcement next month of Senator Manny Pacquiao regarding his political plans.

"Wala po (We have no reaction)," he said, before quickly adding, "Karapatan ng Pilipino, bilang Pilipino na tumakbo at mahalal para sa kahit anong pwesto sa gobyerno (It's the right of a Filipino, as a Filipino to run and be elected to any position in government)."

Boxing icon Pacquiao, 42, is thought to have fought his final bout last Sunday when he lost via unanimous decision to "super" World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The boxer-senator was still licking his wounds in the ring when he was interviewed and asked point-blank if he would run for president of the Philippines in the May 2022 elections.

"I will make a final announcement next month and...I don't know. I know that I'm facing a big problem, more difficult work than boxing. But I want to help the people, I want to help them," he said, afterwhich the Las Vegas crowd gave him a standing ovation.

The filing of the certificates of candidacy for the 2022 polls will begin in October.

President Duterte and Pacquiao's relationship has soured the past few months, with pundits pointing to the latter's alleged political ambition as the reason.

Pacquiao was removed as president of ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in the middle of his training in the United States (US).

Before leaving for the US, "Pacman" linked several government agencies to corruption--something that the Palace didn't appreciate.

In the minutes following Pacquiao's loss to Ugas, Roque said, "Senator Pacquiao will forever be etched in the hearts of Filipinos as our People's Champ. Mabuhay ka (Long live) Manny."

Related Tags

WBA Harry Roque yordenis ugas welterweight 82321 right May 2022 elections DUTERTE PRESIDENT Manny Pacquiao
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