Sen. Manny Pacquiao waves to supporters during his visit to Laguna on Dec. 7, 2021. (Photo from his Facebook page)
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Manny Pacquiao said on Tuesday that Sen. Bong Go’s formally dropping out of the 2022 presidential race would favor his candidacy for the position as it would solidify support for him in Mindanao.
“Of course, I’m the only Mindanaoan and Visayan left who’s running for president,” Pacquiao said in Filipino in a statement he issued when asked about Go’s withdrawal. “And who will those in Mindanao and in the Visayas support but one of their own?”
“Let’s respect his decision because it’s his right to do what he thinks will be good for him,” he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Go formally withdrew his candidacy. Hours later, President Rodrigo Duterte also backed out from the senatorial race.
READ: Bong Go formally withdraws from 2022 presidential race
READ: Duterte withdraws from senatorial race
Pacquiao said he also respected Duterte’s decision, adding that, despite his criticisms of the administration, he was supportive of its development programs in Mindanao.
“I respect his decision. Everyone has their decision,” Pacquiao said on the sidelines of his relief goods distribution at the Mati Cultural Center in Davao Oriental.
Duterte also said he was committed to continuing Duterte’s development agenda for Mindanao if he would be elected as president.