Pacquiao backs Villar; joins Nationalista Party

CEBU, Philippines - Boxing champion and congressional aspirant Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has declared support for the presidential bid of Senator Manny Villar, as he took oath as the new member of Villar’s Nacionalista Party following his 31st birthday celebration the other day.

The oath-taking took place in Pacquiao’s mansion in General Santos City.

“Talagang nanggaling siya sa hirap, at kung tutuusin, galing din ako sa hirap gaya niya. Siya ang karapat-dapat suportahan dahil alam niya ang damdamin ng mga mahihirap. Ito ay pabor sa atin, ang damdamin ng mahihirap, alam niya ‘yan,” Pacquiao said.

Taking their oath with Pacquiao were his lawyer, Franklin Gacal, who is running for congress for the first district of South Cotabao; Gubernatorial aspirant Juan Domino, vice-gubernatorial candidate Fred Basino, the newly retired provincial administrator; two board members; and seven mayors.

Pacquiao’s campaign for a congressional seat for Saranggani is being run by his local party, the “People’s Champ Movement.”

For his part, Villar said, “Manny Pacquiao, who has thrown his best punches to hoist our country’s pride and honor, is a deeply valued partner in our campaign to help keep our people from being knocked out by extreme hardships.”

“Our affinity is anchored on our common backgrounds in poverty where we harnessed the Filipino values of hard work and determination which have seen us through our struggles,” Villar added.

During his birthday celebration with over 2,000 guests at the KCC Events and Convention Center, Pacquiao introduced Villar as “the upcoming president of the Philippines.”

Ilocos Norte Representative Bongbong Marcos, one of LP’s senatorial bets, also attended the event. — PR/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)