FILE PHOTO: Senator Manny Pacquiao is running for president in the May 9, 2022, elections. INQUIRER FILES
DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — With just a little over a month away from the May 9 polls, presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao on Saturday said he is set to hold more campaign rallies to boost support for his candidacy.
Since the start of the campaign period in February, Pacquiao focused more in visiting communities to inform residents of his platforms and programs.
He is set to hold a grand rally in this city, which will be his second since his campaign kick-off rally in his hometown General Santos City.
“Simula na ito at magkakaroon na tayo ng syempre, matagal na itong nagrerequest itong Negros Oriental ng visit ko kaso lang busy ako, naunawaan nila. Sila na lang nag adjust at ngayon andito na tayo, masaya ako dahil nakarating din ako dito. Sa dami ng inikot ko, first time pa na napuntahan itong Dumaguete,” he said in a press briefing here.
He said he and his campaign team have yet to formalize their schedule for grand rallies but said there are many invitations from many areas.
“Maraming mga invitation na, sa dami hindi namin kayang pagbigyan lahat. So pipiliin lang nami ‘yung pwede,” Pacquiao said.
The event was organized by local officials, particularly Negros Oriental 2nd District Rep. Arnie Teves, an ally of Pacquiao.
Teves sided with Pacquiao during the infighting in the supposedly dominant but now split PDP-Laban party.
Teves assured that all residents who will be attending the rally are supporters of Pacquiao.
“Hindi tayo nagpaparamihan. Pag magpaparamihan ka maghakot ka diba? Kung dumami, edi marami, kung wala edi wala. Dun mo makikita yung totoong suporta ng tao. Maraming pumunta dahil gusto nila si Sen. Kung walang pumunta edi ayaw nila si Sen. Ganun lang kasimple ‘yun,” the lawmaker said in the same press briefing.