‘Adopted son’ Pacquiao fulfills promise to Batangueños

Senator Manny Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines — Legendary world boxing champ and senator Manny Pacquiao came to Balayan, Batangas amidst the continuing threat of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The crowds came too, under health protocol conditions, just to see their boxing idol and senator.

Pacquiao visited Batangas to fulfill a promise. He came unabashedly and willingly with financial assistance.

His visit to Batangas the other day was the third time since Mt. Taal erupted in January of 2020.

Pacquiao calls himself an adopted son of Batangas. A resolution signed last August 13, 2019 by Gov. Hermilando Mandanas and Vice Gov. Mark Leviste and the entire Sangguniang Panlalawigan officially made Pacquiao an adopted son of Batangas.

Pacquiao said, “Sa batangas, pumunta tayo dun para mamigay ng tulong at kumustahin ang ating mga kababayan. Adopted son din ako ng Batangas so bilang adopted son ng Batangas, una ko ring pupuntahan yung mga kababayan ko din doon.”

Inquirer.net also learned that some vendors of Lipa City were also given financial assistance by Pacquiao. A Lipa City vendor said, “Pinakyaw din po yung mga tinda kong gulay.”

Pacquiao promised to return to Batangas to visit other municipalities. Pacquiao explained that he gave out money to residents of Balayan not because he’s a presidential candidate but he is simply fulfilling a promise to give assistance to the victims of Taal’s eruption last year.