Duterte anoints Manny Pacquiao as his presidential successor

Manny
Manny Pacquiao’s birthday party. Picture via the fighter-turned-politician’s Facebook page

President Duterte has gone on record, saying he wants Senator Manny Pacquiao to be his successor in the Malacañang.

Speaking at the boxing legend’s 39th birthday bash, the president said the fighter-turned-politician was capable of becoming the country’s next president.

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“I told him while we were alone, I want you to become president,” he said. “You know you can.”

Pacquiao is a Senator representing the president’s ruling PDP-Laban party. The fighter has previously admitted to using drugs as a teenager, but has been a staunch support of the war on drugs.

The president said it was his pleasure to celebrate another milestone in Pacquiao’s life. “You have brought so much pride and joy to our country for being the world champion in the field of boxing,” he said.

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“The determination you have shown and the humility embodied in the glorious triumph are worthy of emulation. Continue to inspire as we lead them towards a more prosperous life.”

Pacquiao is an eight-division world boxing champion after having won eleven major world titles. He holds a record of 59 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws. He recently lost his World Boxing Organization welterweight title to Australian boxer Jeff Horn in July.

Recalling how he used to be just another ordinary man roaming the streets of Manila, Pacquiao said he did not expect the kind of life he was having now.

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“I want to be an inspiration to everyone, especially the poor. Don’t be discouraged, because God has a plan for you,” hr said.

The Senator’s mother, Dionisia, said she was not sure if God would bring them enough money to make Pacquiao win the presidency but she assured her son she would support him.

“I want you to take care of yourself and to keep praying every night,” she said.