Presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday, March 23 assailed the move of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to run for the presidency in May 2022, as he insinuated that the latter did nothing to develop his own province.
"Ang akin lang po kasi, kapag ako ay nakaupo sa gobyerno na matagal na at may power ako, may kakayahan ako na i-develop ang aking lalawigan ay matagal na. Matagal na po. Bakit ngayon lang sila pumasok sa politika? (My opinion is that, if I've been in the government for a long time and I have a power to develop my province, . But why are they only running now?)" Pacquiao said, referring to Marcos Jr., during his sortie in Cauayan, Isabela.
Marcos is a native of Ilocos Norte and is a former governor there. He last held a position in government in 2016 as a senator.
Isabela is part of the so-called "Solid North", where the base support of the Marcoses come from.
"Hindi ako nakikipag-away sa kanya (I'm not picking a fight with him)," Pacquiao clarified.
The retired boxing legend then called on the public to "give me a chance" to serve as the country's leader, so that he can show the public what he can do in six years.
Moreover, the lawmaker said he does not believe in the "Solid North" because "We are a democratic country." This view was supported by Cauayan mayoralty candidate Bill Dy.
"Alam ko po hindi naman lahat para kay BBM. Mayroon namang talagang naghahangad para sa tunay na pagbabago, hindi naghahangad ng traditional government (I know that not everyone is for Bongbong Marcos. There are still people who want true change and not the traditional government)," Pacquiao said.
He made this realization after he felt the warm welcome of his supporters from the north.