Philippine Boxing Hero Pacquiao Hints at Presidential Run... Duterte Says "Boxing Champion Can't Be Political Champion"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao (42) has hinted at running for president next year. Current President Rodrigo Duterte responded by saying, "Being a boxing champion does not mean you will be a champion in politics," attempting to check him.

According to AFP on the 2nd (local time), Pacquiao, who is preparing for his comeback fight scheduled for the 21st of next month in the United States, said about his future plans, "I will announce my decision when the right time comes. It will probably be after the match." Having entered politics in 2012 and currently serving as a senator, this is interpreted as him effectively expressing his intention to run for president.

Pacquiao had long been a supporter of Duterte but recently has distanced himself by openly criticizing Duterte's policies. He raised allegations of government corruption and also targeted Duterte's pro-China stance.

In response, Duterte met with reporters and said, "He is talking nonsense," and regarding the corruption allegations, he challenged, "Don't go anywhere, just look into it. Fulfill your duties as a senator."

The Philippines adopts a single six-year term system, so President Duterte cannot run for the presidency again.

However, if Duterte's daughter Sara (42), the mayor of Davao, enters the presidential race next year, an indirect confrontation between the two could unfold. Duterte is also considering running for vice president in next year's election.

In the Philippines, presidential candidates select their running mates for vice president from the same party, but since the presidential and vice presidential votes are conducted separately, it is possible for the elected president and vice president to belong to different political parties.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.