Robredo-Pacquiao tandem a no go for Manny

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential candidate Sen. Manny Pacquiao is determined to run for the presidency in 2022, rejecting calls to withdraw his candidacy and become Vice President Leni Robredo’s running mate instead.

“Buo na ‘yung pasya ko na tuluy na tuloy ako, hindi ako umaatras sa laban. Hindi ako aatras sa aking kandidatura bilang Pangulo kasi alam ko malaki ang magagawa ko para sa ating bayan,” he said in a forum with Rotary Manila, Club the first time he spoke before a big business group as a presidential aspirant.

(My decision is final. I will run for president. I know I will contribute significantly to the country.)

“Tunay na pagbabago ang gusto ko gawin sa ating bansa, hindi ‘yung puro pagpupulitika lang,” he added.

(I want real change for the country, not just politicking.)

He said he is seeking the public’s vote, not for his personal interest but because he wants to “help” them.

“Habang nabubuhay pa ako dito sa mundo, gusto ko maging halimbawa o example o inspirasyon sa lahat ng mga tao, hindi lang sa Pilipino kundi sa buong mundo na ang Manny Pacquiao, maging inspirasyon,” he said.

(While I’m still alive, I want to be an example or be an inspiration not only to the Filipino people but to the whole world.)

“Dito sa pagseserbisyo, gusto ko rin gawin ‘yan na maging inspirasyon sa ating mg kababayan pagdating sa public service. Ang public service is not a business, tulong at pagababago ang dapat sa ating bayan,” he added.

(I want to be an inspiration to Filipinos when it comes to public service. It’s not a business. We need help and change.)

Despite being eyed by various camps to become a vice-presidential candidate, Pacquiao has earlier said he will go ahead with his presidential run in 2022.

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