MANILA, Philippines - Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Manila before noon yesterday.
Richard Gordon, a former senator, also came to file his COC under his own political party, the Bagong Bayan Volunteer for a New Philippines.
Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno also filed and was listed as the 111th senatorial aspirant to have officially filed a COC.
Pacquiao was clad in a blue shirt and jeans when he went to the Palacio del Gobernador, the main Comelec office, and was accompanied by his wife outgoing Vice Gov. Jinkee and their sons Michael and Jimuel. Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Singson also came with them.
Pacquiao served two terms in the House as representative of Sarangani province. He refused media interviews yesterday but took time for “selfies” with some Comelec employees who waited in line for him.
He is seeking a senatorial seat under the United Nationalist Alliance of Vice President Jejomar Binay along with former police Special Action Force (SAF) chief Getulio Napeñas and broadcaster Rey Langit.
“We will help OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) who suffer abuse, (are) harassed or unintentionally commit murder,” Pacquiao said, adding that his victory will be a triumph for the Filipino people as he will push for efficient public education, protection of OFWs and peace in Mindanao.
Lookalikes
Not one, not two, but three “Manny Pacquiaos” turned up in the poll body’s Intramuros headquarters yesterday morning. The first two were lookalikes of the boxing champ.
Stand-up comedian Johnny Dagami Jr., 42, sported a mustache just like the real Pacquiao. He was accompanied by his “coach Freddie Roach” Romeo Jamero who had yellow-tinted hair and white beard.
The second “Manny Pacquiao” was freelancer Bernard Samdog.
The arrival of the clones gave brief entertainment to the supporters of Pacquiao and other candidates, media personnel and policemen who were securing the perimeter of the Comelec. – With Evelyn Macairan