In the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao goes from boxing rings to politics

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Manny Pacquiao is one of the greatest boxers of all time: world champion in eight different categories, 26 years in the rings, 72 fights, 62 victories. An exceptional track record.

From the height of his 1m66, “Pac Man” is a formidable hitter, a living legend who now wants to climb into the ring of politics at a high level. In the Phillippines, Manny Pacquiao is more than a national hero, he is almost a demigod! Officer of the Legion of Honor, evangelical preacher who claims to have been chosen by the Almighty to spread the message of Christ, he is also a singer, actor, TV host, basketball coach. He has already dabbled in politics: twice as a deputy and senator since 2016.

At 42, after his last fight (lost), August 21, 2021, the former flyweight officially hangs up the gloves. And is embarking on the presidential race which will take place in May 2022.

In a melodramatic video posted on September 29, Manny Pacquiao bids farewell: “To the biggest fans and the biggest sport in the world, thank you! Thank you for all these wonderful memories. It’s the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but I’m at peace with it. Chase your dreams, work hard, and see what happens. Goodbye boxing“. And hello politics.

Manny Pacquiao wants to help the poorest and peasants, set up free education up to university and finance sports programs in disadvantaged neighborhoods. “If a leader has not experienced poverty, he cannot really have feelings for the poor”, he said in 2016.

If he is now extremely wealthy (his earnings are estimated at more than $ 500 million), Manny Pacquiao is a street kid, who started boxing at the age of 12 to earn money. feed his family. A journey that earned him boundless admiration in the archipelago, where his social rise is presented as a model, where we also salute his generosity (he regularly gives enormous sums to friends, fans or people in the need). His fans see him as proof that hardworking people can be successful regardless of their background.

His popularity is such that taking up the presidency does not seem so incongruous. But is he really capable of leading a country of 110 million people? The fight is not won in advance. His detractors mock his “thick raw side” and accuse him of not being very diligent in Parliament. Although when it comes to brutality, the current president, Rodrigo Duterte, has no lessons to teach. Engaged in a relentless fight against drugs, he makes any individual involved directly or indirectly in trafficking a criminal whose death is justifiable. The police have been officially responsible for the deaths of more than 6,000 people since the start of their mandate in 2016 – many more according to NGOs. The International Criminal Court calls for an investigation for potential crimes against humanity.

Manny Pacquiao, however, supports the Duterte method and also appears as an ultra-conservative Christian opposed to divorce, abortion and contraception.

Positions that a few years ago caused him to lose an advertising contract with Nike. He had explained that homosexuals were “worse than animals “. Not enough to gain popularity. He will undoubtedly take more hits in politics than in the rings.


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