Philippine boxing legend Pacquiao punches way into Senate
Boxing hero Manny Pacquiao is virtually assured of a seat in the upper house Senate, according to election results which take him a step closer to his dream of the Philippines presidency.
Pacquiao, 37, whose rise from desperate street kid to boxing superstar has made him one of the nation's biggest heroes, retired from boxing last month to become a full-time politician.
With over 91% of voting centres accounted for from Monday's polls, the winner of an unprecedented eight world championships had garnered 14.94mn votes, more than enough to enter the Senate.
Pacquiao placed eighth out of a field of 50 candidates in a national race where the top 12 win a seat in the upper house, a powerful legislative body that has often served as a springboard to higher office.
Regarded as an icon in the impoverished nation, Pacquiao's boxing matches have regularly brought the country to a standstill.
The high school dropout has parlayed his sporting successes into a fortune from commercial endorsements, eventually moving into a political career, serving two terms as a congressman.
His foray into government was part of a long-term strategy to become president, a not unrealistic ambition given his wild popularity.
But his critics have charged that he performed poorly in Congress, barely attending sessions, and instead preferring to train for matches, bask in the celebrity limelight, and dabble in professional basketball.
Nevertheless, he campaigned actively for the Senate, touring the nation and delivering impassioned speeches recalling his tough upbringing.
“If a leader hasn’t experienced being poor, he cannot truly feel for the poor,” he said at one campaign rally.
“The children sleeping on the streets, using cardboard boxes for blankets, I know how that feels. I know how it feels to go hungry for whole day, just drinking water to survive.”
During his campaign, Pacquiao promised to help the poor, improve the lot of farmers and teachers, campaign for free education, and — in a nod to his old profession — secure funding for grassroots sports programmes.
“Sports doesn't get any budget. That’s why.... we cannot produce a single gold medal,” he said, referring to the Philippines’ long and so far fruitless quest for Olympic gold.
Answering his critics, who say he is not fit to be a senator because he has little education or track record as an effective lawmaker, Pacquiao has insisted his rags-to-riches story qualifies him for the job.
His election is part of a wave of populism in the Philippines, which saw firebrand politician Rodrigo Duterte win the presidency in a landslide Tuesday.
I would hazzard the latter :O)
Good luck
or give us problem in da butt. =)
There is no assurance on everything. WE will never know what would happen in Duterte's presidency. Unfortunately, if we chose any other candidate for president, that, we already know. It's like trying a new dish, we've had so many dishes that's all savory and tasty at start but gives you stomach ache the day after. Now we're trying a new dish with a lot of spice. Who knows? maybe this time we find our sweet spot.
LOL. :D
Okay, let's see what Duterte will do. My best wishes are with the Filipinos.
I was born 1988. But yes i know how and what happened. Unfortunately, all those were planned to put cory aquino in power. That was the time when the Philippines started dwindling down. We're a bit as rich as japan back then i think.
But did Aquino achieve what she promised
I hope he doesn't turn out to be another Modi. All that he would turn India into a global power proved to be a big lie. These people appear strong before elections and deflate once they take over.
It was a non-violent revolution. You people have forgotten how much power you can have.
Maybe you weren't born then.
Don't worry, Kevin. No country is perfect. But if people want change, then they have to do it. Remember how you got rid of Marcos in February 1986 with the People Power Revolution?
@Hamza, brother come on. If you want an argument, argue logically and still show respect. Respect their opinion if we want them to respect ours.
@zack and WT - At the very least with our discussion, i see how people from other countries view us. In politics we have nothing to be proud of, even after duterte's win nothing has been done yet so we will have to give him his 6 months. Me, my family and people around me are solid duterte BUT only because we saw better odds with him. For now, nothing to be proud in that department.
hamzah1234 - Ok HR Man
Zackm- First of all this is our country we didn't interfere in your country's or any other country's politics. you have no right to deface my people and my country.
end of discussion.
Thanks Britexpat you got my respect!
Come on people.. Give the guy six months and se how much crime has recuced ....
Tiny Brain for Mucho Mucho HR Man!!!
And I prefer a president who allows me to leave the country whenever and to wherever I want to go without asking questions. My passport should be sufficient to let me go to any place I want!
This is my personal account :) and I'm on leave. Stalking? nice work.
We all know that Filipino men are macho. No surprise.
I'd rather have a verbal racist rather than a politician like trump to BAN all muslims,mexicans and other colored people in entering america HAHAH now thats FUNNY
I'd rather have a verbal racist rather than a politician like trump to BAN all muslims,mexicans and other colored people in entering america HAHAH now thats FUNNY
Hamzah1234 - don't you have some job order to follow up or screen candidates for open requistion or do I have to bring this up with your manager. Maybe he may not be in the liking that you spend most of your hours surfing on the web to discuss about your dear president. Let me know and keep laughing!
before you troll on some other country get the RIGHT information because you look like an idiot. Change the country within 6 months thats funny man! hahahaha
before you troll on some other country get the RIGHT information because you look like an idiot. Change the country within 6 months thats funny man! hahahaha
You're also 'funny'. You allow a verbal rapist to rule your country. Ha, ha, very funny.
Zackm- for your INFO hes going to suppress crime within 6 months not change the country within 6 months :) hahahah see what fox news has done? SUPPRESS CRIME not CHANGE THE COUNTRY hahahahah clearly you don't know anything about my country. because you have no idea about the crime rate in the philippines. Your country's politics is a joke you allow a RACIST Politician like donald trump to run? your sooo funny bro. like really.
Let's put it like this: The Philippines are a beautiful country, and there are some beautiful people. But there are some dirty politicians as well. And from the view of a democrat, a simple majority to become president is populist and not a political decision!
Hamzah1234 - I can tell you are not that smart, the type who believes things so easily without the true facts. Obviously you don't know any politicians in Phils, but I do. I meet them from time to time. They have a very different view than the ones being painted for Du30 in your country. No worries, keep dreaming...thats all you can do and pray for.
Hamzah1234 - Yes, yes keep laughing...laugh at your country...thats what the world is seeing, your politics are a joke...we will see who laugh and who cries later. Du30 already over promised to make a significant change for the country in 6 months. Are you nuts, he must a real super HERO...with super powers... it take decades for country to change. The fastest one in Asia has been South Korea and China, over the last 40 years they are now a Global Figure within Asia. Do you really think that Du30 can do that in 6 months...obviously you are deluded!
Zackm- I Don't know the politics in my own country? LOL. If you know the real politics not the one the media flashes on the television you would say that Duterte is a HERO. Duterte a corrupt politician? HAHAHAHAHA and the aquinos and the liberal party are the good politicians? your really funny fox news :D
I'll give duterte a chance. 1 year. HE promised to make a better Philippines in 6 months, so 1 year is more than enough. I like the guy but we also have to be realistic.
That we don't know. really maybe a hoax? maybe not. It has only been exposed recently and is under investigation. I think the senator who allegedly did the negotiation is in hiding (another country) right now claiming medical emergency.
That we don't know. really maybe a hoax? maybe not. It has only been exposed recently and is under investigation. I think the senator who allegedly did the negotiation is in hiding (another country) right now claiming medical emergency.
Hamzah1234 - Clearly you are do deluded with your obsession for Du30, that you don't see the long term implications for your country. This is exactly what I pointed out to all the pinoys out there, shortsightedness gets the best of you and allows these corrupt politicians to use it...for their own advantage....you don't know the true politics in your country.
So Kevin, if thats the case, who gets there proceeds of the Island Sales? Has it been declared how the money is going to be used by the current administration? How is the people of the Phils taking this, selling national land to the Chinese, so they can build airstrips for their military plane, explore shale gas and also gaining the fishing rights?
Britexpat Thank you for explaining to this people.
zackm: Clearly you dont know anything about our country. Stay in your trailer and watch fox news :D
Wild Turkey: Yes we want to annihilate criminals in our country. you have no idea the criminals in our country. fck democracy if we live in fear. we prefer a government where all people muslims, christians and natives are equal. where criminals are floating in the sea instead of destroying our lives. only evil people see duterte as evil. to answer your question those people who didnt vote for him did not register for the elections. This guy is our caesar where 95% of the population LOVE HIM! the 5% are criminals and corrupt politicians anyways when we become number one in south east asia we still welcome you to work in our country.
And to think we voted for this guy (aquino) just because his dad was assassinated due to a Marcos' tyranny and his mom ran and won as president. To think we took our chances just because of that reason thinking he will never be a corrupt leader because of his background. But what happened, basically nothing. Killings happened, terrorism got worse, economy worse, we got more debt that we ever had.
I remember, whenever we ride a train. We can't stop thinking about it crashing or just stopping in the middle of the track. Happened multiple times. But the president claims it's well maintained.
and by the way, it is said that the current president Aquino and a senator Trillianes, already sold west philippine sea islands to China.
Kevin - Thumbs Up! Lets see and wait! I also want to see things changing in Phils.
zackm: Yes, there are good ones around in the world and they help their countries progress. I guess we need to "import" (!!) some of them to our part of the world.
Don't get me wrong, i am completely against Manny being a senator. But i would like to give Duterte a chance, same with the 90-95% Filipinos here in Qatar who voted for him. This is the first in a long time that it seems different, seems legit and seems very promising. Yes his attitude is a bit scary when you think about it. But for 27 years of my existence, i've heard promises after promises that never happened with the past 2 presidential elections i witnessed. You can't blame us if we think maybe choosing a president like that. We've had worse.
In the end, we may prosper or get even worse. It's the chance that we wanted to take for a change.
Accha, Leaders are under foreign pressure, they are never given chance by the external forces to serve their own people. Only the wearer knows .......... all the directions come from the sky ...........
Acchabaccha, how about Lee Kwan Yue - the former PM of Singapore. He was so well respected all over the globe
To all Filipinos - watch this filipino guy speak...he speaks with heart. I vote him, if he run - WATCH PLS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yITq61XedI
Brit: I said "especially in the east." I have not seen an honest political leader over the last 5 decades in my country. During their political rallies prior to elections they all talk of corruption and promise its eradication. But once in power, all is forgotten. As the saying goes in my part of the world "Why not take a sip from the flowing river" and they never want to miss the opportunity life has provided them with.
Not at all, MM. But I love her.
WT, Good deed ...........
And one more thing, Kevin. I personally "rescued" a woman from Cagayan de Oro because she was beaten by her "boy-friend". I sent her the money to fly to Cebu with her two children and her Mom. Now she is relatively safe there in a house I paid and she is living on the money I send to her. But I guess I'd have to get her out of there as fast as possible.
Give the guy a year and then let's see what has changed ...
Just remember the old adage about Absolute Power ..
I have vested interest in Phil, investments and holdings. Thats why! I am not from your country, but I do think Philippines do have the chance to become the next Singapore...I do like the culture, country and the people. But you guys need to wake up and choose the right politicians... if no one is available...just stand up and don't vote...why vote when there is no one good to run the country. Its a democratic country, if no one votes or having low turnout in voting, they will have to keep doing reelection on and on...how long till the corrupt ones run out of money from the campaigns and give up. then wait for the good guy to come and get elected with new campaign, with genuine votes. Thats the way and only way for your country...people fighting for their right to choose a correct leader...not a boxer, movie star...criminals...foul-mouth mayors
Yeah, it's your choice, Kevin.
Kevin is on solid ground ..............
@WT - That is your twisted logic. But if you want to put it that way, sure. We wouldn't mind. That would be the most effective way to defeat crime in OUR country that YOU care too much about.
Working here, away from our family, scared that someone might jack our houses or just mug my sister or whatever. Do you have that feeling? No. So we don't need you to teach us how to choose. We've already chosen and we've made the right decision. If we didn't, then it's our fault WE ARE TO SUFFER, Not you.
@Zack, it seems like you know a lot about Philippines, how we work or what we do. Seems like you know more than a filipino himself. Why do you care so much though? What's up with all the assumptions? Assuming is not thinking LONG term bro.
Here is the link with the news and video
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/04/25/after-disgusting-gang-rape-joke-philippine-presidential-contender-duterte-widens-lead/
"Does criminals obey the rules of "Human Rights"? Of course not. And Duerte doesn't either. So according to your logic we can call him a 'criminal'.
Duterte's comments: While referencing a 36-year-old Australian lay minister named Jacqueline Hamill, who was held hostage, raped, had her throat slashed and was shot in 1989, he said, “I was angry because she was raped, that’s one thing. But she was so beautiful, the mayor should have been first. What a waste.”
And yes, he was referring to himself.
Zack, There were talks about how with technology voice & pic can be manipulated .......... I am not sure .......
@Zack, that's a media manipulated statement.
@Wild Turkey - So? We actually wouldn't mind. Most of us actually wants the death penalty back. Let me ask you a question.
Does criminals obey the rules of "Human Rights"? How about Gun Laws? How about rape? So basically, the president HAVE to obey the laws of human rights and let these people who violate other people live, kill and rape other people. And when we do catch them, put them in jail, give free food and eventually let them go again?
Is that human rights? Human rights, is flawed my friend.
zackm: He was talking about the and murder of an Australian missionary... He said that as mayor he should have been first in line. I think he has since apologized.
In his last campaign speech before the election, Duterte told a crowd to "forget the laws of human rights."
MM its on Youtube...stop speaking if you don't know the facts!
Foul-Mouth Wolf indeed - he will change Phils at what cost...by destroying the international relationship... whats that going to do for philippines, when he starts fights with neighbouring countries...like China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan and Korea... seem he doesn't care about bi-lateral diplomatic ties. He only has experience dealing within Philippines...how about international...what do you think will happen as soon as he pisses of China, who are moving into some of the islands in Phils... if war...then what do you think will happen... Duterte also doesn't seem to care too much about the US help for the Phils, if war with China and US is pissed off with Duterte...what do you think will happen in Philippine!!! Start seeing the long term picture and how this will play out...you filipinos only look at the short-term effects
Come on acchabaccha... What about Churchill, Abe Lincoln, Marcus Aurelius, Julius Caesar, Ho Chi Min and the guy from Singapore
Zack, Media often distorts the statements ...........
Didn't this guy Duterte comment on national TV on controversial comments on gang rape. Duterte joking about the 1989 rape and murder that he should have been the first to rape that lady!...what kind of president to-be says such a thing. Obvious he has no respect for women
Never in human history has there been any "good leader". Otherwise there wouldn't be the current situation of betrayal, wars, and crime! None of the so-called leaders has taken care of the people. Only of HIS people, maybe. Friends and relatives of Qaddafi had a good life, the rest didn't.
That is a pure excuse .........
Politics is "dirty business." Especially in the east, if a "good guy" enters politics and rises to the top, he soon becomes corrupt. The system does not allow a good man to exist as a politician. The two terms "good man" and "politics" just do not go hand in hand.
Blessed are the people whose leaders can look destiny in the eye without flinching but also without attempting to play God.
Einstein refused the presidency of Israel. I am just like him. Sorry, MM.
WT, Why can't you try your hand in the politics , if you consider yourself a ' good ' man ...... ?
You, being a '' good guy '' are not into politics ....... is indirectly inviting not so good people in this field, YOU are responsible for that trend .........
Your new president:
"Forget the laws on human rights. If I make it to the presidential palace, I will do just what I did as mayor. You drug pushers, hold-up men and do-nothings, you better go out. Because I'd kill you," he said at his final campaign rally in Manila on Saturday.
"I'll dump all of you into Manila Bay, and fatten all the fish there," he added." Source: BBC
@Zackm - As a filipino, i agree with your sentiments. Actually, you're 95% Accurate. We do like to forgive, we vote for people who've wronged us before. We vote movie stars and sports players. That's the part where i really don't understand with us. But that's how it is. Now people are really happy that at last there's a change in the system. We accept his foul mouthed-ness because we know he will deliver the change we've been looking for, longing for.
Or 38.5%, if you prefer ratios. There are still 61.5% Filipino voters who don't want him as president!
15,849,676 people voted for Duterte. What about the other 25 million people? They love him, too? Then why didn't they vote for him?
and please don't compare donald trump to our president. Our president is loved by all muslims, catholics, protestants, natives and communist. WE LOVE HIM because he is fair. he is not a bigot unlike trump
Sure, he can do all this if he proclaims himself a dictator (like Marcos). Good luck!
He seems to be promising a lot.. Hopefully he will deliver and take the country to new heights ..
and oh this foul mouthed Wolf is the most diverse politician in the whole world he will unite muslims and christian filipinos under one banner. the communist rebels and separatist rebels will surrender to him. He plans to pass an anti discrimination law.
and oh this foul mouthed Wolf is the most diverse politician in the whole world he will unite muslims and christian filipinos under one banner. the communist rebels and separatist rebels will surrender to him. He plans to pass an anti discrimination law.
@zackm Foul Mouthed Wolf from the south? lets see when the philippines becomes the tiger of South east asia and you guys will work there. You clearly don't know anything about our country. This Foul Mouthed Wolf Killed Drug lords, rapists and other scum of humanity. He also helped a lot of kinds who are Addicted to drugs thru free rehabilitation. Davao City is one of the Safest city in the world much more safer than your city. he helped a lot of Senior citizens specially those who fought in WW 2 and Korea to get free medicines! This is our Julius Caesar! please do more research before you comment ridiculous and far fetched things.
Filipinos are very forgiving people. The Marcoses and Estradas who robbed them during their terms are again voted by the people.
But, with the new president, hopefully these people will either be jailed or killed. Many have strongly spoken in this election by voting the tough guy from Mindanao.
Filipinos know what this guy can do. Americans do not know what Donald Trump can do.
The new President is supposed to make Donald Trump look like a liberal...
AS with most developing nations, filipinos vote for someone who they can relate to or aspire to .. That is why they usually go for movie stars...
The problem, in general, is that 'good' people never become politicians. The profession is known to require selfish and corrupt people.
Filipinos always have a poor choice of politician to run their country. It has always been repeated, everlasting corruptions, money being hidden, misuse of public funds...but public seems to always forgive. Joseph Ejercito 'Erap' Estrada is now the new major of Manila, after being put in jail for his corruption during his presidency (unbelievable). Now a boxer with gambling problem is in their senate. Foul-Mouth Wolf from Davao is the new president. Great Work! When is it going to end, when will Filipinos wake up and choose the right people to run their country. Only time will tell and mindset change.
15,432,174 votes after 94.92% precincts reporting. Rank 7. At least he will know how to punch his opponents. Good luck, Manny!