Dylan Bettencourt
Legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao confirmed that he will be running for the presidency next year to oust current President Rodrigo Duterte.
“I accept your nomination as candidate for president of the Republic of the Philippines,” the 42-year-old said during the national assembly.
“I’m a fighter. I will always be a fighter inside and outside of the ring.”
Pacquiao, who is the only boxer to win a world title in eight different weight classes, accepted the nomination for him to be the leader of the opposing PDP-Laban party.
The former world champion’s goal is to remove current President Duterte from office, accusing him of corruption and of being “too cozy” with China.
Pacquiao, who was once a close ally of the current president, said more than R2 billion meant to assist poor families was unaccounted for, implying a mismanagement of funds by the current administration.
July saw the veteran boxer voted out as the leader of the PDP-Laban party after he challenged the current president’s policies. The removal was, however, rejected by his faction.
Pacquiao’s aim to derail the corrupt government officials continued as the senate opened an investigation into the alleged overpricing of medical equipment and supplies bought by the current government.
When the boxer was warned he could be sent to jail for his actions, he responded with a defiant, “Your time is up.”
Image source: @Rappler
