‘Nag-picture lang kami:’ Pacquiao, Sara Duterte cross paths at US Embassy event
Senator Manny Pacquiao (in navy blue suit) and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (in red blazer) during an event at the U.S. Embassy in Manila Thursday, July 1, 2021. Contributed photo
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Manny Pacquiao and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, whose names are being floated as possible presidential bets in 2022, crossed paths in an event at the U.S. Embassy in Manila Thursday.
Their interaction also comes as the mayor’s father, President Rodrigo Duterte, launched tirades against the senator after the latter flagged government corruption under the current administration.
The two posed for a picture together on the sidelines of the commemoration of the 245th anniversary of the U.S. Independence Day at the embassy.
When asked if Pacquiao mentioned to Duterte-Carpio his intention to dialogue with the President regarding corruption issues in the government, the senator told reporters: “Hindi, nag-picture lang kami.”
(No, we only took a photo).
“For how many months nakikipag-appointment ako kay Presidente, nakikipag-audience ako,” Pacquiao also said.
(We have been trying to make an appointment with the President for many months; we’ve been requesting an audience.)
Also present during the event were former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, and Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero.
LOOK: Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, and Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero meet at the US embassy for the US Independence Day event. | @NCorralesINQ pic.twitter.com/jClhU2LM8c
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 1, 2021
Pacquiao said he remains open to possibly running for the presidential post in 2022 but noted he will announce his final plans for the elections “in the right time.”
“Hindi ko sinasabing ‘hindi.’ At ‘di naman ako nagdedeklara ngayon. I will declare in the right time kung anong tatakbuhan ko. Sa ngayon focused ako sa aking nalalapit na fight at hinihiling ko sa taumbayan na magkaisa po tayo. Itong boxing ‘wag nating haluan ng politika. Kaya ako nandito, patuloy na lumalaban dahil masaya ako dahil nagkakaisa ang sambayanang Pilipino ‘pag ako ang lumalaban,” he said.
(I’m not saying never. And I’m not declaring anything right now. I will declare at the right time if I’m going to run. For now, I am focused on my next fight and I’m asking the public to be united. Let’s not mix boxing with politics. I’m here to continue the fight because I’m happy when all the Filipinos are united when I fight in the boxing ring.)
According to Pacquiao, he will be flying to Los Angeles this Saturday to continue his training for his August 21 fight with two-belt champion Errol Spence.
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