Sen. Manny Pacquiao waves to supporters during one of his visits to different provinces, like this one in Laguna on Dec. 7, 2021. (Photo from his Facebook page)
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao will set off his campaign in his hometown General Santos City.
Pacquiao will hold a caravan across General Santos City on Feb. 8, while his proclamation rally will be conducted at the oval stadium of the General Santos City Oval Plaza, where he is also expected to announce his senatorial ticket.
The event shall also be the take-off point for the official political campaign of his party, Probinsya Muna Development Initiative (PROMDI).
He filed his candidacy under PROMDI after Pacquiao had conflicts with the Cusi faction of his party PDP-Laban.
There are over 350,000 confirmed registered voters in General Santos City, according to the Commission on Elections.
Pacquiao earlier said he wanted to conduct his campaign kick-off in General Santos City because it was where he dreamt of rising above poverty.
“Sa GenSan kasi dito nagsimula ang aking mga pangarap na maiahon ko ang aking pamilya sa kahirapan, maiahon ko sa kahirapan ang aking mga kamag-anak, makatulong sa kanila at magtagumpay sa aking mga pangarap,” he said.
(It is where I started dreaming of plucking my family out of poverty, helping my relatives, and reaching my goals.)
“Kaya dito magsisimula ang aking pangarap na magkaroon ng maayos at maunlad na bansa at malinis na pag-gobyerno,” he added.
(So this is where I want to start my journey toward an orderly and prosperous government.)
On Feb. 9, Pacquiao is set to visit Alabel, Sarangani.
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Pacquiao to kick off campaign in hometown GenSan