San Francisco Chronicle

Famed boxer joins race in Philippine­s

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Philippine boxing icon and senator Manny Pacquiao is running for president in the 2022 elections.

Pacquiao accepted the nomination of his PDPLaban party at its national convention on Sunday, saying the Filipino people have been waiting for a change of government.

“I am a fighter, and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring,” said Pacquiao, 42.

Pacquiao is the president of the PDP-Laban faction led by him and Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. Another faction of the same 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, the day after the Internatio­nal Criminal Court announced it would investigat­e allegation­s of crimes against humanity linked to the crackdown that has left thousands dead.

Pacquiao has accused the administra­tion of Durterte, his former ally, of making corruption worse in the Philippine­s.

To critics who question his qualificat­ions, the boxer has said his experience of personal hardships will better equip him to understand people’s suffering — and fight poverty and corruption.

The rival party faction supporting Duterte earlier said it will petition the Commission on Elections to declare Pacquiao and his allies illegitima­te officers of the ruling party.

 ?? Jonathan Rodriguez / Associated Press ?? Smoke and ash rise from Cumbre Vieja, a volcanic ridge that erupted on Spain’s island of La Palma. After seismic activity increased over the past week, authoritie­s had already begun to evacuate nearby residents.
Jonathan Rodriguez / Associated Press Smoke and ash rise from Cumbre Vieja, a volcanic ridge that erupted on Spain’s island of La Palma. After seismic activity increased over the past week, authoritie­s had already begun to evacuate nearby residents.

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