Manny Pacquiao has officially embraced a long-discussed political fight to become president of the Philippines.
“Pac-man” announced that he has accepted the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) party’s nomination in his home country’s 2022 presidential election. If he wins the election scheduled for May 9, it would essentially end his storied boxing career.
Presidential terms in the Philippines last six years. If Pacquiao were to win, his term would end when he is 49.
A law in the Philippines prevents presidents from seeking second terms.
“I am a fighter and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring,” Pacquiao said. “In my whole life, I have not backed out of a fight. Because in the name of principle, the nation’s pride, I stand reaffirmed and strong.”
“You know, as long as I live in this world,” Pacquiao said, “I want to leave a legacy, not only being a good fighter, but I want to leave a legacy as an inspiration to everybody, like I said, inside and outside the ring. I’m not talking in a politician way, but I am a public servant. I want to help people. Even my own money, I give back to the people. So, that’s my mission.”
“I think, for me, material things in this world, you cannot bring that to the grave. I mean, when our lives are finished in this world, we can’t take nothing. We came to this world naked and we will depart naked. Let’s remember that. And in this sport, this is my passion. That’s why I’m here, keep on fighting at age of 42. I’m enjoying it, but you know, sometimes you have to think about the response of your body.”
