The fight continues—but in a higher arena.
Boxing icon and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator at the Commission on Elections’ headquarters in Intramuros, Manila.
Pacquiao will run under Vice President Jejomar Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance.
“Ang paghain ko po ng COC bilang senador ay pagsumpa ko sa masang Pilipino ng isang bagong simulain,” Pacquiao told the media after filing his COC.
(My filing of COC for senator is my oath to the Filipino masses of a new beginning.)
“Hayaan ninyong pagsilbihan ko kayo bilang inyong kamao sa paglaban sa suliranin lalo na ng mga mahihirap,” he added.
(Let me serve you as your fist in fighting the problems especially of the poor.)
If elected, Pacquiao said he will advocate quality public education, assistance framework for overseas Filipino workers, peace and order in Mindanao, and a comprehensive sports development program.
“Sa araw na ito, si Manny Pacquiao ay nasa harapan ninyo, tumutugon sa hamon na lumaban muli, hindi para sa kanyang sarili, kundi para sa inyo, mga masang Pilipino,” Pacquiao said.
(On this day, Manny Pacquiao is in front of you, responding to the challenge to fight, not for himself, but for you, Filipino masses.)
“Ang tagumpay ni Manny Pacquiao ay tagumpay ng masang Pilipino,” he added.
(The victory of Manny Pacquiao is the victory of the Filipino masses.)
Manny Pacquiao file CoC for Senator. INQUIRER/NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
READ: Why Pacquiao is not included in LP Senate slate
Pacquiao was being eyed by the ruling Liberal Party as one of its senatorial bets, but party stalwart and Senate President Franklin Drilon said the boxer “prefers” to run with fellow Mindanaoan and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte should the latter decide to seek the presidency.
READ: If elected senator, Pacquiao vows to give up one of other careers
A notable absentee in the House of Representatives, Pacquiao was quoted as saying that he was willing to sacrifice one of his careers if he will be elected senator.
Originally posted: 11:38 AM October 16th, 2015