Philippines elections: Boxer Manny Pacquiao announces nomination for Presidential run

Philippine’s boxer turned politician Manny Pacquiao, Sunday, said that he will run for country’s upcoming presidential elections. Accepting his nomination in a formal ceremony, 42-year-old senator reckoned that time h come to challenge leership. Notably, Pacquiao has been a staunch critic of incumbent president Rodrigo Duterte and has lambasted him for his close ties with China. 

" time is now -- we are rey to rise to challenge of leership," he said at National Assembly held by anti-Duterte faction of ruling party PDP-Laban. 

‘Have you ever experienced hunger?’ 

Pacquiao is a celebrated national hero, majorly due to his humility and for hauling himself out of poverty to become one of world’s greatest boxers. On Sunday, he asked, “For those asking what are my qualifications, have you ever experienced hunger? Have you ever experienced having nothing to eat, to borrow money from your neighbours or to wait for leftovers at a food stall? Manny Pacquiao that is in front of you was moulded by poverty." According to analysts, anti- poverty and anti-corruption measures are expected to make majority of Pacquiao’s election manifesto. 

pacific archipelago is set to hold its Presidential elections starting 9 May next year. Fillipino constitution forbids president to run for a second term. Earlier in August, Duterte announced that he will run for vice presidency, triggering criticism that move was me to ensure his stronghold on power. opposition has pointed out that Duterte's nomination for number 2 position in country could serve as a backdoor for presidential position. y tout a scenario wherein Duterte's close ally Christopher "Bong" Go could win polls and n resign, enabling Duterte to shield himself from possible legal actions when he leaves office. "This is really part of scheme of Duterte clique to extend not only influence but control of government," said opposition Congressman Carlos Zarate.

"I will run as vice president, n I will continue cruse. Number one is insurgency, n criminality, drugs," Duterte said in a late night weekly national dress. "I may not have power to give direction or guidance but I can always express my views in public,” he ded.

Image: AP