Filipino boxing great and Senator Manny Pacquiao. AP FILE PHOTO
Despite criticisms, newly-elected Senator Manny Pacquiao expressed confidence on Monday that he could do “great things” as a public servant and that he could exceed the people’s expectations.
“During my inauguration, I have sealed my commitment to do what I have to do to the best of my ability by the grace of God,” Pacquiao told Senate employees after the flag raising ceremony.
“I owe it to the Filipino people, sa lahat ng nagtiwala at nagsuporta sa akin, nais kong pasalamatan at kahit hindi ‘yung sumuprorta ay salamat pa rin. At nais kong patunayan sa inyo kung paano ko disiplanahin ang sarili ko para makamit ang aking pangarap na magserbisyo nang tapat sa ating bansa,” he said.
(I owe it to the Filipino people, for all their trust and support for me, I want to thank them, even those who are not supportive of me. And I want to prove to you how I will discipline myself to achieve my aspiration of sincerely serving our country.)
Pacquiao said he used the criticisms that he has been getting as an inspiration to prove his detractors wrong.
READ: Pacquiao: How hard can being a senator be?
When he was starting his boxing career, the neophyte senator also recalled how he was also being criticized but said he worked hard to become a world boxing champion.
“And I believe in the Senate, as a public servant, I can do great things to the Filipino people and I can serve the Filipino people beyond [their expectations],” said Pacquiao.
“Gusto kong i-prove ‘yan (I want to prove that) but of course we have to include God because everything that we want to do and plan without the guidance and approval of the Lord, we can’t be successful. Even our nation, we need to pray (for) our nation to become a prosperous nation and blessed nation. We need that,” he further said.
Pacquiao arrived at the Senate ahead of the 10:00 a.m. opening of the 17th Congress. CDG
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