Senator Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — No, Jinkee will not be like Imelda.
This early, Senator and presidential aspirant Manny Pacquiao is imparting such a promise as he embarks on his bid to become the next president of the country.
Speaking before businessmen for the first time since declaring his presidential run, the world-famous boxing champ said his wife, Jinkee, is actually a shy person and not keen on politics.
He assured that Jinkee will not be lavish like Imelda Marcos if ever his wife becomes the nation’s first lady.
Imelda Marcos, wife of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was perceived to have wielded great power as first lady during the 20-year rule of her husband. Her name became associated with extravagance as notoriously depicted by the 3,000 pairs of pricey shoes she owned as well as fancy pieces of jewelry and artworks she possessed.
“Ang asawa ko ay mahiyain at hindi mahilig sa pulitika. Ang gusto niya ay magserbisyo, tumulong sa mga kababaihan at lalung-lalo na ‘yung mahihirap,” he said.
(My wife is shy and is not keen on politics. She wants to be of service to women and the poor.)
Asked if his wife is inclined to indulge in luxuries like Imelda if she becomes first lady, Pacquiao answered: “Hindi po, chinecheck ko po ‘yan dahil kilala ko ‘yung asawa ko, hindi siya gano’n.”
(No, I am checking that because I know my wife, she’s not like that.)
During Pacquiao’s last fight against Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás in Las Vegas in August, Jinkee posted on social media photos of her and her family and netizens were quick to note her supposedly expensive designer outfit. Many claim Jinkee’s get-up was worth more than a million pesos. Netizens called her garb “too lavish.”
READ: Jinkee Pacquiao claps back at haters