Manny Pacquiao (Facebook)

If senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao would have his way, he would give a knockout blow to political bickering so that the government can focus on making Filipino lives better.

This was the gist of the boxing icon-turned-politician's message during his campaign sortie in Trece Martires, Cavite, over the weekend.

As part of the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate, Pacquiao underscored the importance of national unity, especially during election season when political mudslinging hits a fever pitch.

"Kailangan nating lampasan ang hidwaang pampulitika at pagtuunan ng pansin ang mga solusyong mag-aangat sa buhay ng bawat Pilipino," Pacquiao, a one-time senator, said.

(We need to move past political conflict and give focus to the solutions that will uplift the lives of each Filipino.)

"Ang problema natin ngayon, hindi lang kahirapan kundi ang pagkakawatak-watak ng bayan. Hindi tayo dapat mag-away-away dahil sa pulitika. Ang tunay na laban natin ay ang kahirapan, ang mataas na presyo ng bilihin, at ang kakulangan ng oportunidad para sa lahat," he added.

(Our problem now is not only poverty, but having a divided nation. We must not fight each other because of politics. Our true fight is against poverty, the high prices of goods, and the lack of opportunities for all.)

The boxing legend went on to enumerate the needs of the country that required the laser-focus of the government.

"Hindi pwedeng nakakalimutan ang pangangailangan ng tao. Hindi dapat inuuna ang pulitika bago ang kapakanan ng bayan. Dapat unahin ang trabaho, edukasyon, at serbisyong pangkalusugan. Ang gobyerno ay para sa tao, hindi para sa iilan lang," Pacquiao said.

(We must not forget the needs of the people. Politics must not take precedence over the country’s welfare. We must prioritize job generation, education, and healthcare. The government is for the people, and not just for a few.)

He told Filipinos to shun the kind of politics that promote divisiveness and keep them from achieving true progress. 

Pacquiao advised his countrymen to vote for candidates who give public service precedence over personal ambition.

"Dapat ang loyalty ng mga gustong maglingkod ay nasa tao (The loyalty of those who want to serve must be with the people)."