The Philippine Star

Pacman fed up with politics

- By PAOLO ROMERO

Boxing legend turned senator Manny Pacquiao yesterday admitted he is fed up with politics and has repeatedly considered quitting.

“I feel dismayed, discourage­d. I want to let go because I’m not used to politickin­g,” Pacquiao said yesterday.

“I discovered that in politics, you wouldn’t know what’s real or not. People have many faces,” he said, adding it was the first time for him to disclose his sentiments to journalist­s, having only discussed this with his wife Jinkee and some close friends.

He said not a few educated people have been elected into office, and yet the lives of Filipinos have barely improved.

“What’s important is someone who’s true and sincere and truly feels for the poor. The rich know the country’s problems but they can’t really feel the plight of the poor. It’s different if you really feel their problems,” said Pacquiao, who experience­d poverty when he was a struggling boxer in his hometown in General Santos.

He said he is still thinking whether to seek reelection in 2022, and is asking God for guidance.

Pacquiao said he feels for President Duterte, who he said is working hard and is sincere despite continuous attacks from certain groups.

As this developed, Pacquiao defended Presidenti­al Communicat­ions Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson from critics who are denouncing the possibilit­y of her running for senator in the 2019 elections.

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