Sorry Duterte, Pacquaio sticking with Binay

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines—Boxing legend and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao said he was supporting Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay despite Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte’s presidential bid.

“We’ve given our word,” said Pacquiao who is running for senator under UNA.

“We’ve said that we will support our beloved Vice President and (the United Nationalist Alliance). (That) won’t change,” he added.

Pacquiao, who welcomed Binay and his entourage at the General Santos City airport on Friday morning, had met Duterte before the Comelec deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy on Oct. 16. Duterte had told him then that he was not running for President.

Later, however, Duterte named a Dream Team of senators that included the boxing icon.   The Davao City official also filed his COC for the presidency on Friday.

Sought for comment on Pacquiao’s statement, Duterte had yet to reply.

From the airport here, Pacquiao and Binay traveled to Colon in Maasim town, where the Vice President graced the 4th Council Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP). Binay is the national president of the BSP.

Back in this city, the two officials engaged Mayor Ronnel Rivera and market vendors in a boodle fight at the public market.

Duterte, who was scheduled to speak at the opening of the Munato Festival at the Sarangani provincial capitol grounds in Alabel town, was not expected to meet Pacquiao and Binay.

The two officials will be attending another Munato-related event on Saturday. Aquiles Zonio, Inquirer Mindanao