‘Flattered’ Pacquiao to push through with presidential bid after being eyed as VP

FILE PHOTO: Senator Manny Pacquiao. INQUIRER.net/Noy Morcoso

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Manny Pacquiao insisted he will push through with his presidential bid in 2022 after being eyed by “various camps” to become their vice presidential bet.

“While I’m flattered of various camps seeking me to be their VP, it requires the presidency para magawa ang mga pangako ko sa mga mahihirap at sa mga nagsisikap na mula sa hirap,” Pacquiao said in a statement Wednesday.

(While I’m flattered about various camps seeking me to be their VP, it requires the presidency to fulfill my promises to poor Filipinos and to those who are working to get out of poverty.)

“Although I am touched and extremely honored, tuloy and laban natin sa pagka-pangulo. Para sa pagbabago at para sugpuin ang corruption na lumalala sa bansa. I will not fail the people,” he added.

(Although I am touched and extremely honored, our fight for the presidency will push through. For change and to end the corruption that is getting worse in the country. I will not fail the people.)

Pacquiao issued these remarks after Senator Imee Marcos said he was among the vice-presidential options for her brother, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who is gunning for the presidency via the May 2022 elections.

In pushing through with his presidential bid, Pacquiao said he saw the problems facing the country firsthand with the years he spent in public service both at the local and national levels.

“Kahit naging kaibigan natin ang mga presidente, vice president at local officials ay malaki ang agwat ng mayaman at mga mahihirap dahil sa mga policy na ipinapatupad,” the senator added.

(Even if we became friends with presidents, vice presidents, and local officials, there is a big gap between the rich and the poor because of the policies being implemented.)

“Our time is now! Para ipanalo ang mga mahihirap. Nakikita natin na lumalaki ang grassroot support araw araw habang umiikot tayo sa buong bansa. Naririnig ko ang daing at nais ng mga kapwa natin at mga kasama natin na galing sa mababang antas ng lipunan,” he added.

(Our time is now! To win this for the poor. We have seen the growing support from the grassroots every day when we go around the country. I hear the grievances and the wishes of our countrymen and those belonging to the low-income members of our society.)

Aside from Pacquiao and Marcos, other prominent presidential aspirants include Vice President Leni Robredo, Senators Panfilo Lacson and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, and labor leader Leody de Guzman.