Pacquiao to contest 2022 elections
Boxing icon accepts nomination of PDP-Laban party
Philippine boxing icon and senator Manny Pacquiao says he will run for president in the 2022 elections. Pacquiao accepted the nomination of his PDP-Laban party at its national convention yesterday, pledging to honestly serve the Filipino people who he said have been waiting for a change of government.
“I am a fighter, and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring,” Pacquiao, 42, said in his speech.
“In the name of our countrymen who have long been desiring for the right change in government, I wholeheartedly, bravely, and humbly hope for your support,” he added.
Pacquiao is the president of the PDP-Laban faction led by him and Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. Another faction of the party earlier this month nominated President Rodrigo Duterte to be its vice-presidential candidate, and Duterte’s former aide, Sen. Bong Go, as its presidential nominee. Duterte, who is forbidden by the constitution from seeking a second six-year term, has accepted the nomination, but Go has declined to run for president.
Duterte has led a brutal campaign against illegal drugs, and said last week he would rather “die first” before facing an international tribunal.