As talks about the forthcoming national debates heat up, PROMDI standard bearer Sen. Manny Pacquiao said he is looking forward to airing his stand on significant national issues with his rivals for the presidency.

“I am ready and excited to join any presidential debate,” Pacquiao said in a press statement.

Pacquiao’s willingness to debate may come as a surprise to many, particularly his critics, and perhaps some of the presidential contenders.

Critics have belittled the senator’s educational background and questioned his preapred in running the affairs of the government and the country

Extreme poverty in his youth forced him to drop out from high school pursue a career in boxing and become one of the world’s highest paid athletes.

Having earned more than enough to live comfortably without working, Pacquiao pursued informal education and was able to get a diploma equivalent to a collegiate course.

The Mindanaoan senator vowed to use the public debates that will soon be launched by the Commission on Elections to explain his program of and maybe to prove his critics wrong.

“Itong mga debate ng mga gustong mamuno sa ating bansa ay isang magandang paraan upang aming mailahad ang aming saloobin, layunin at programa para sa bayan at para sa ating mga mamamayan. (This debate among those who want to lead the country is a good way of explaining our views, intention and program for the country and for our people.),” he said.

Pacquiao cited public debates as a good venue to inform the public about his accomplishments in serving the country as a politician and what more he could offer to make life easier for Filipinos.

“Ito na po ang panahon at pagkakataon para manalo ang mahihirap. (This is the time and chance for the poor to succeed),” Pacquiao said.