Presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao on Monday, March 28 barnstormed his rival Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso's bailiwick, Manila, where he boldly called on his fellow aspirants to withdraw from the Palace race.
While he said that he would personally need God's sign to back out from the presidential tiff in May, Pacquiao went on to ask the other candidates to join him if and when it happens.
"Baka naman gusto nilang umatras at samahan ako sa magandang adbokasiya. Kung gusto nila ng kaunlaran sa bansa, samahan nila ako (They might want to withdraw and join me in my advocacy)," he said in response to a question during his Manila campaign if he would announce his withdrawal from the race.
But Pacquiao insisted that he does not easily withdraw from a fight.
"Hindi ako umuurong sa lahat ng laban, sa loob o labas man ng ring (I do not back out of fights, whether inside or outside the ring)," he said.
In earlier interviews, Pacquiao said he is only seeking the presidency to help the poor and to run after corrupt government officials who are burdening the lives of Filipinos. He added that if all Filipinos were like Vice President Leni Robredo, he might not even be pursuing the seat in Malacañang. Robredo is also aiming for that seat.
Pacquiao said the only thing that could make him withdraw his presidential bid is a "conviction" from God.
"Sino ba naman ako para kontrahin ang panginoon? (Who am I to opposed God?)," he said.
Pacquiao visited San Andres Bukid and Baseco Compound in Domagoso's Manila to woo vendors in the area as well as residents.
He also paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of Manila mayoralty aspirant Amado Bagatsing and his daughter, Cristal Bagatsing, in Pandacan.