Nacionalista Party, Pacquiao vow to fight poverty

MANILA, Philippines - World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao reiterated last night his pledge to fight poverty as the Nacionalista Party (NP) formally welcomed him into the party.

The NP has forged an alliance with the boxer’s People’s Champ Movement (PCM).

Cheering fans and supporters welcomed Pacquiao, who wore an orange shirt, the NP color, during the affair at the Laurel Mansion in Mandaluyong City last night. 

The event was also the first time that NP senatorial candidates Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his former critics, militant party-list Reps. Liza Maza of Gabriela and Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna, appeared together in public.

NP presidential bet Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. and Pacquiao posed for photographers with party senatorial bets Marcos, Ramon Mitra Jr., Susan “Toots” Ople and Gilbert Remulla on one side, and Ocapamo, Maza and Mark Querubin, son of Senate bet detained Marine Col. Ariel Querubin, on the other side.

NP vice presidential bet Sen. Loren Legarda came late but was able to have her photo session with local supporters. Senatorial aspirant Adel Tamano also came late.

Before the start of the simple program, Marcos was seen greeting Maza and Ocampo.

Other Senate bets Sens. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Pia Cayetano, and Miriam Defensor-Santiago did not attend the affair.

Supporters cheered Villar’s wife, Rep. Cynthia Villar, and Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee, who were introduced by Remulla as “first ladies.”

Villar also welcomed in the same event international billiard champions Efren “Bata” Reyes, Rubylyn Amit, and Ronnie Alcano.

Pacquiao explained why he opted to forge an alliance with NP, citing his humble beginnings.    – With Nonong Baliao