Pacman, Gordon, Napeñas, Manzano join 2016 contest
MANILA — Sarangani Representative and boxing champion Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao, Richard "Dick" Gordon, Philippine Red Cross chair, former Philippine National Police Special Action Force chief General Getulio Napeñas and actor and former Optical Media Board Chairperson Edu Manzano yesterday submitted their certificate of candidacy for senator before the Commission on Elections.
The boxer-lawmaker will run under the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) led by Vice President Jejomar Binay.
Pacquiao earlier said he wanted to run under Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's senatorial slate, but since the mayor did not have clear presidential plans he opted to stay with UNA.
The lawmaker was also seen attending the launch of UNA as the main opposition party in July.
Pacquiao said that once elected senator, he will focus on health,
education, agriculture, peace in Mindanao, athletes and Philippine sports.
"The winnable must be suitable...
Sometimes it's mere popularity. Dapat magbago na ang ating bayan,"
Gordon said after filing his candidacy.
Gordon admitted that he wanted to seek the presidency again but it is too expensive. He will run for senator under Bagumbayan Party. He added that he opposes the idea that candidates must be capable of paying advertisements and must be popular.
"Dapat may kakayahan siya o experience," Gordon said.
Gordon ran for president in the 2010 national elections but was defeated by President Benigno Aquino III. He was the chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority from 1992 to 1998 and served as a senator from 2004 to 2010.
Napeñas will run under the opposition party United Nationalist Alliance.
Last July, Napeñas retired from the police service and was said to seek Senate seat under the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan party.
He changed his mind, however, and decided to run under the senatorial slate of Vice President Jejomar "Jojo" Binay's party, saying Binay was the one of those who recognized the SAF 44.
Manzano will enter the 2016 senatorial race as an independent candidate.
The actor noted that his sons Luis, also an actor, and Lorenzo may run for office someday.