Duterte picks Pacquiao

Philippine President names boxing legend as his worthy successor.

MANILA: President Rodrigo Duterte wants Filipino boxing icon-turned-senator Manny Pacman Pacquiao as his successor.

Speaking at the 39th birthday bash of Pacquiao in Manila on Sunday, Duterte said the boxing champion was capable of becoming the country’s next president.

“I told him while we were alone, I want you to become president,” Duterte said.

Pacquiao is a Senate member for Duterte’s ruling PDP-Laban Party.

The boxing senator has admitted to using drugs as a teenager but has backed Duterte’s brutal drugs war, which has seen police and vigilantes kill hundreds of mainly poor Filipinos each month since the president took office last June.

The President said it was his pleasure to celebrate another milestone in Pacquiao’s life.

“You have brought so much pride and joy to our country for being the world champion in the field of boxing,” Duterte said.

“The determination you have shown and the humility embodied in the glorious triumph are worthy of emulation. Continue to inspire as we lead them towards a more prosperous life,” Duterte added.

Recalling how he used to be just another ordinary man roaming the streets of this city, Pacquiao said in his message he did not expect the kind of life he was having now. “I want to be an inspiration to everyone, especially the poor. Don’t be discouraged, because God has plan for you,” Pacquiao said.

The senator’s mother, Dionisia, said she was not sure if God would bring them enough money for Pacquiao to win but she assured her son she would support him.

“I want you to take care of yourself and to keep praying every night,” she said.