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 — Sen. Manny Pacquiao kicked off his presidential campaign on Tuesday by vowing that he would not be a “traditional politician” — or “trapo” (an alternative word for “tradpol”) — and that he would bring change to governance should he win in the 2022 elections.
Pacquiao, who has anchored his presidential bid on the fight against corruption and poverty, blamed corruption and corrupt politicians for the continuing suffering and poverty of the Filipino people.
“I am talking here in front of you, not as a trapo politician. I am talking in front of you as your leader and protector,” he said, speaking in Filipino, in his speech at his proclamation rally in General Santos City, his hometown.
“Why are Filipinos suffering poverty? That’s because of corruption, because of greedy politicians,” he said.
In an earlier interview, Pacquiao said the people could expect an “honest and progressive” government if he would win as the next chief executive.
‘If you want change — you who have no jobs, no houses, no justice — join me. My fight is the fight of every Filipino. I will take you to the championship that I hope for because that’s the heart of Manny Pacquiao,” the boxer-turned-politician said.
[Original of the quote: “Kung gusto niyo ng pagbabago — ‘yung mga walang trabaho, walang bahay, walang hustisya — samahan ninyo ako. Ang laban ko ay laban ng bawat Pilipino. Dadalhin ko kayo sa kampeonatong hangad ko dahil ‘yan ang puso ni Manny Pacquiao.”]
In his speech, he recounted how he had suffered poverty, sleeping in the streets and taking on various jobs, including construction work and selling sampaguita to survive, when he moved to Manila as a minor.
He vowed to help fight injustice and provide housing for poor families.
He also talked about his 22-round agenda for the country— which includes providing housing and improving the health system, education, and livelihood of Filipinos, among others.
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