This is a combination photo of brothers Sarangani Rep. Ruel Pacquiao (left) and Senator Manny Pacquiao. Photo from the website of the House of Representatives and Inquirer files
MANILA, Philippines — The brother of presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao is backing the vice presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, the Lakas-CMD party has claimed.
According to the Lakas-CMD, Sarangani Rep. Ruel Pacquiao met with the Davao City mayor on Monday afternoon. Also present in the meeting were Sarangani Gov. Steve Solon and mayors from various towns of the province. it added.
Duterte-Carpio joined and eventually became the chairman of Lakas-CMD after filing her certificate of candidacy for vice president in the May elections.
“Rep. Pacquiao, Gov. Solon, and the mayors of Sarangani expressed support to the vice-presidential candidacy of Inday Sara,” the political party said in a statement Monday.
“The expression of support is deeply appreciated, and it affirmed the essence of the unity that the UniTeam has been trying to espouse among political parties — as a way to achieve the common goals that the UniTeam has for our country and the Filipinos,” it also said.
Rep. Ruel Pacquiao is the brother of Senator Manny Pacquiao, who is running for president in the upcoming elections. But Senator Pacquiao’s running mate is not Duterte-Carpio but former Manila City mayor and incumbent House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza.
Senator Pacquiao said he already asked his brother to explain his move to support Duterte-Carpio, stressing that as a family, there should be united support towards the Pacquiao-Atienza tandem.
“I have already summoned my brother Ruel to personally explain the truth behind the press release issued by Lakas-CMD claiming that he and Sarangani Governor Steve Solon have thrown their support for Mayor Sara Duterte,” the senator said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Hindi po ako kinonsulta sa bagay na ito kaya’t kailangang magpaliwanag dito si Ruel. Bilang pamilya at bilang magkapatid ay kailangan naming magkaisa upang matiyak na tuloy-tuloy ang labang Pacquiao-Atienza,” he added.
(I was not consulted regarding this matter and Ruel needs to explain this. As a family and as siblings, we need to unite to ensure continued support for the Pacquiao-Atienza tandem.)
Senator Pacquiao likewise stressed his support towards Atienza.
“Hindi po nagbabago at buong-buo ang aking suporta para sa aking bise na si dating Manila Mayor at Congressman Lito Atienza. Matagal na po ang aming pinagsamahan at hindi ito mabubuwag o mababago ng pulitika,” he said.
(My support remains solid for my Vice President, former Manila Mayor, and incumbent congressman Lito Atienza. We have been together for many years and politics won’t change that.)
“Naniniwala po ako na siya ay napakagaling at napakahusay na lider na karadapat-dapat na mahalal bilang pangalawang pangulo,” he added.
(I believe that he is an excellent leader who deserves to be elected as vice president.)
INQUIRER.net has reached out to Rep. Pacquiao regarding the matter but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.