Los Angeles – world-renowned boxer known for his vicious left hook and unending spring on his steps in the ring, Manny Pacquiao has been considered to be a prime candidate for the Philippine presidency ever since he shocked everyone by deciding to enter politics back in 2010 and becoming a senator in 2016. With the approaching 2022 Philippine presidential elections, talk of him running for the presidency is circling the country once more.
Even the current president, Rodrigo Duterte, is pro “the Pacman” as he said in Pacquiao’s 39th birthday party in 2017, “I told him when we were alone, I want him to become president.”
It is true that Manny has brought much joy and pride into the Philippines, a country who loves to associate the Filipino pride with those that succeed internationally.
Coming from a very poor and difficult past and having to work hard to get to where he is at, the Filipinos consider Manny to be a hero because he symbolizes the journey of the Filipinos.
People who have met the eight-division world champion all agree that he is a down-to-earth, simple and humble man. One thing about Manny is that he never forgets where he came from and this fuel his tremendously generous heart. Below is an example of how a random encounter with a struggling ice cream vendor led to a man providing his fellow citizen with money, a new house, and a better job.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time.
His future plans
As for the presidency, Manny is putting that on hold in the meantime as he prepares for his fight against American Adrien Broner in Las Vegas on January 19. Manny is the defending WBA welterweight champion, the title of which he will be fighting to keep next Saturday.
He wishes to finish first his boxing career before fully focusing on politics, although he has made it clear that he intends to be “an inspiration to everyone”, whether it may be through politics or religion. Yes, Manny is also a pastor. He often gets slammed for combining religious views during a Senate meeting but having the tenacity of an athlete, he doesn’t really mind.
Even for his possible path towards becoming the next president, Manny says, “I’m not thinking about that. I don’t have plans right now. Whatever path that God gives to me I will fulfill it.”
What his long-time trainer, Freddie Roach, said is definitely true about Manny, “He’s always been a guy who does 100 things at once.”