Boxing star, ‘absentee congressman’ Manny Pacquiao makes presidential bid

On Wednesday, Philippine icon Manny Pacquiao ended his 26-year, 72-fight profession with 62 wins, eight losses and two attracts. He received 12 world titles throughout eight weight divisions and stays the one boxer to carry world championships throughout 4 a long time.
Pacquiao, whose journey started as a stowaway on a ship certain for Manila, skilled super development outdoors the ring as effectively. Going from pugilism to populism, the 42-year-old achieved the standing of a nationwide hero, climbed up the political ladder and is presently in the midst of a presidential bid. Along the best way, he has earned the repute of being an ‘absentee congressman’, a friend-turned-foe relationship with the present president Rodrigo Duterte, and criticism for a few of his beliefs.

To the best followers and the best sport on the earth, thanks! Thank you for all of the fantastic reminiscences. This is the toughest determination I’ve ever made, however I’m at peace with it. Chase your goals, work onerous, and watch what occurs. Good bye boxing. https://t.co/Bde4wO82sA
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) September 29, 2021
Round one: House of Representatives
In 2007, Pacquiao introduced his marketing campaign for a seat within the House of Representatives. Then 28, Pacquiao was amongst a number of distinguished celebrities, together with film stars, who contested the congressional and native elections, and misplaced.
Pacquiao was defeated by Darlene Antonino-Custodio of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), who stated, “He probably wasn’t really prepared for politics, but more than anything, I think, people weren’t prepared to lose him as their boxing icon either.”
Pacquiao then enrolled in a certificates course in Development, Legislation, and Governance, and in November 2009, contested once more for a congressional seat at Sarangani province — his spouse Jinkee’s hometown. He earned a landslide win, ending the reign of one of many nation’s oldest political households: the Chiongbians.He was re-elected to the Congress of Philippines in 2013 when he ran unopposed, and spouse Jinkee too was elected as vice-governor of Sarangani.
Round two: Senate
In October 2015, he introduced his candidature for the place of senator, and received in May 2016, garnering over 16 million votes.
He was additionally the senate’s prime absentee, recording 12 absences from July 2018 to June 2019, in accordance with information launched by the Senate. He had the very best variety of absences after Senator Leila de Lima, who did not attend all 61 periods attributable to detention.

Before changing into a senator, Pacquiao had earned the moniker of ‘absentee congressman’ for being the highest absentee amongst lawmakers.
Round three: Presidential election
Senator since 2016, Pacquiao earlier this month introduced his intention to run for president within the 2022 elections.
“To government officials who continue to rob government coffers, you will soon find others in jail,” Pacquiao stated on September 19 as he introduced his candidacy.
“Your time is up.”
The structure bars present President Rodrigo Duterte from in search of a second six-year time period within the election subsequent May.
Critics, in the meantime, have used his frequent no-show within the senate to boost questions on Pacquiao’s potential to run the 110 million people-strong nation.
On Wednesday, a survey by Pulse Asia Research confirmed Pacquiao within the fourth spot among the many frontrunners to succeed Duterte, with Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, remaining the highest decide for president.
Relationship with Duterte
As a senator, Pacquiao notably aligned himself with the Duterte authorities.
Duterte rose to energy promising a cruel crackdown that might rid the nation of medication. According to a Guardian report, the International Criminal Court has estimated that between 12,000 and 30,000 civilians have been killed in reference to anti-drugs operations since Duterte’s election in 2016. UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet warned of “near impunity” for widespread extra-judicial killings.
In 2017, talking at Pacquiao’s thirty ninth birthday bash, Duterte expressed that he needed the boxer to succeed him as president. “I told him while we were alone, I want you to become president,” Duterte was quoted by the Inquirer. “You have brought so much pride and joy to our country for being the world champion in the field of boxing.”
In December 2020, Pacquiao grew to become Acting President of the ruling occasion PDP-Laban. But along with his rising curiosity in a presidential bid, Pacquiao started to be essential of the Duterte administration.
The two have been sparring lately. Pacquiao accused Duterte’s administration of constructing corruption worse within the Philippines, The Guardian reported. He additionally promised to combat poverty and warned corrupt politicians that they are going to quickly finish in jail.
Pacquiao stated that Duterte’s leniency on the incursion of Chinese ships within the West Philippine Sea was “disheartening”. Duterte fired again saying Pacquiao’s data of international coverage is shallow.
In July, as Pacquiao ready to face Errol Spence Jr, Duterte publicly lashed out. “Kung matalo siya (If he loses), he’s a goner actually,” Philstar quoted Duterte, referring to the senator’s combat. “Wala ka, wala ka talaga. (You are nothing). You are a shit. Do not go elsewhere. Comply first with your duty as a senator.”
Within two weeks, Pacquiao misplaced his place as occasion president of PDP-Laban.

I boldly settle for the problem of working as PRESIDENT of the Philippines. We want progress. We must win in opposition to poverty. We want authorities to serve our folks with integrity, compassion and transparency. The time is now. I’m able to rise to the problem of management. 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/suN1zFTxyW
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) September 19, 2021
Pacman’s stance
Pacquiao’s rise to world stardom from immense poverty, the rags-to-riches story has made him a populist determine, as seen by the nicknames ‘People’s Champ’ and ‘National Fist’. Veteran boxing promoter Bob Arum instructed The National in 2016 that solely Muhammad Ali had had extra of an affect than Pacquiao. Last 12 months, with the Philippines beneath the grip of a extreme Covid outbreak, Pacquiao labored with Alibaba Group co-founder Jack Ma to assist deliver 50,000 COVID-19 take a look at kits.
But he has confronted criticism for his views on same-sex marriage and the demise penalty.

After being elected to the senate, Pacquiao condemned same-sex marriage, saying, “if we approve male on male, female on female (marriage), then man is worse than animal… God only expects man and women to be together and to be legally married.” Nike ended its longstanding partnership with Pacquiao, who apologised however maintained that he was nonetheless in opposition to same-sex marriage.
He has additionally backed the return of capital punishment into the lexicon of Philippine prison regulation.
“Having read the Bible on a regular basis, I am convinced that God is not just a God of mercy, but he is also a God of justice. So on the issue of the death penalty, I could not help but consult the Bible,” Pacquiao stated throughout a Senate session in 2016.