Pacquiao tapped as PH tourism endorser

The House of Representatives Committee on Tourism has endorsed Sen. Manny Pacquiao, easily one of the most popular Filipino worldwide, to be the official endorser of the country’s campaign to become a premier tourist destination,

In a recent committee hearing, the House panel unanimously approved a motion by Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales to endorse Pacquiao, a global professional boxing and sports icon, as the official endorser of the Department of Tourism’s campaign to lure more visitors to the country.

In a related development, Rep. Elisa Kho (PDP-Laban,, Masbate) sounded the alarm on the DOT’s plan to change the tourism slogan, “It’s more fun in the Philippines,” which has already gained popularity abroad, especially among Southeast Asian countries.

A Teacher’s Party-list Rep. Julieta Cortuna said the DOT should just build on the gains of the present advertising campaign instead of shifting to a new slogan.

Pacman as tourism magnet Gonzales backed 1PACMAN Partylist Rep. Enrico Pineda’s proposal to be the DOT’s tourism campaign spokesperson.

During a tourism panel hearing on DOT’s plans and programs for 2017, Pineda proposed that Pacquiao be officially named the tourism industry’s endorser and spokesperson owing to his “tremendous popularity here and abroad.”

“Sen. Pacquiao’s international stature is a big boost to the tourism industry of the country. His endorsement would create a lot of impact, especially in the social media,” said Pineda, who used to be Pacquiao’s business adviser.

Pineda said the former Saranggani congressman might even lend his services for free because of the nobleness of the objective.

Gonzales and 1Pacman Party-list Rep. Michael Romero quickly backed the proposal.

Previously, Pacquiao accepted the offer of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to be the official endorser of the state lottery firm’s charity program.