Sep 19, 2021 - World

Boxer Manny Pacquiao will run for Philippine presidency

Yacob Reyes

Philippine boxer and Senator Manny Pacquiao announced on Sunday he will run for president of the Philippines next year, Reuters reports.

Why it matters: Pacquiao's universal name recognition and status as a source of national pride could make him a tough challenger to whomever President Rodrigo Duterte puts forward as a candidate, Axios' Dave Lawler notes.

Duterte cannot run again due to term limits but was nominated to run for vice president.

Catch up quick: Earlier this summer, Pacquiao was ousted as leader of Duterte's ruling party after challenging Duterte over his relationship with China and accusing his government of corruption. Running for president will only widen the rift between the two men.

Pacquiao, a social conservative who backed Duterte's deadly war on drugs and was once an ally, is behind in the polls.
Duterte's daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, consistently leads in the polls.
Pacquiao accepted the nomination to run for president during a national assembly of the ruling PDP-Laban party.

What they're saying: "I am a fighter, and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring," Pacquiao said, per Reuters.

Add Axios on Google

Boxer Manny Pacquiao will run for Philippine presidency

What to read next