Boxer-senator Manny Pacquiao to run for Philippine president
MANILA, Philippines – 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 on Sunday, saying that 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,” Pacquiao, 42, said in his speech.
“We need government to serve our people with integrity, compassion and transparency,” he added.
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.