In His Fight in the Political Ring, Where Does Presidential Aspirant Manny Pacquiao Stand on Key Issues

This article is part of The Beat Asia’s coverage of the Philippines’ 2022 elections. To see the rest of our election-related stories, click here.

Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao is a professional boxer, senator, and former ally of President Rodrigo Duterte. He entered politics in 2010, serving as Sarangani’s representative for six years.

Pacquiao has received criticisms regarding his qualifications for running as the next president of the Philippines. The boxing champ-turned-politician, however, believes that his hardships will equip him to help his fellowmen fight corruption and poverty.

Economy

Aspiring president Senator Manny Pacquiao said in an interview on Dec. 14, 2021 that his economic team will be led by his campaign manager and business magnate Salvador “Buddy” Zamora II. Zamora is one of the founders of Nickel Asia Corporation and a board member of the telco firm Philippine Telegraph & Telephone Corporation.

According to a report from Rappler, Pacquiao said that he will use his international fame to attract foreign direct investments into the country and mentioned his “10 international billionaire friends” who promised to invest in the Philippines if he’ll be elected as president.

With or without a college diploma, he reiterated that everyone would have a job or sustainable income as he will push on exporting local brands and focus on micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses.

COVID-19 response

Pacquiao wants to focus on massive vaccination similar to other countries’ COVID-19 efforts to speed up the return to normalcy.

In partnership with FundLife, Pacquiao contributed "safe-at-home" packs and provided digital vocational training to vulnerable girls based in Cebu and Leyte. He also donated five buses to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and about 600,000 face masks to various frontline government offices.

West Philippine Sea

The boxing champion-turned-politician ensured that he will not allow China to bully him under his administration regarding the territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea. He plans to resolve the issue through a proper dialogue, as peaceful relations with China must remain.

Poverty

Pacquiao’s poverty plans are not yet revealed, but he recalled his poor life and will use this experience to deal with the absolute impoverishment in the Philippines.

Corruption

Pacquiao is inclined to iron-fist leadership and will not tolerate profanity He said that corruption is the biggest problem in the country that impacts economic growth and exacerbates mass poverty. If elected president, his top priority is to eradicate and punish corrupt and greedy government officials, promoting good governance and a real change for the country.

During an event at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City, he said, “You want to know why I’m so angry at thieves working for the government? I came from nothing. I know how it feels like when the government itself steals your hard-earned money.”

Political Dynasty

In the upcoming 2022 elections, Pacquiao has seven other relatives and close associates who will be running for different government positions, including his brothers Rogelio and Alberto for Congress (the lower house) and cousin Zyrex for a mayorship. Meanwhile, his trainer Restituto “Buboy” Fernandez is the incumbent vice-mayor in Polangui town, Albay.

According to the senator, he would leave the decision to the public since the Philippines is a democratic country and the people will choose who to vote for. But during The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews last Jan. 22, he agreed to the prohibition of political dynasties.

Insurgency

According to Pacquiao, insurgency is rooted in political corruption that causes deficiencies in essential services such as quality education, sustainable livelihood, and reliable infrastructures.

He mentioned the lumad would likely join the military arm of the New People’s Army due to a lack of government support and livelihood for their communities. “Hindi nabibigyan ng suporta ang ating mga lumad dahil sa matinding kurapsyon. ‘Yong mga pondo na napupunta dapat sa pagpapatayo ng mga paaralan, paglalagay ng mga kalsada sa kanayunan at pagbibigay ng kabuhayan ay napupunta sa mga kurap at mga ganid na pulitiko (Our lumad are not being given support because of widespread corruption. Funds that should be used for constructing schools, roads and provision of livelihood go to corrupt and greedy politicians),” Pacquiao said according to a report published by the Manila Bulletin.

In coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 10 last March 2021, Pacquiao provided financial aid for rebels who surrendered and will be given funding for rabbit farming. Pacquiao pledged to create more development projects that will resort to unity and love instead of hate and violence.

Death Penalty

Citing the Bible, Pacquiao said the death penalty is not illegal in the eyes of the Lord and the government. If he wins the presidency, the senator agreed with the revival of capital punishment for select heinous crimes involving dangerous drug manufacturers and traffickers and plunder convicts. According to him, the offender shall be executed through a firing squad or lethal injection.

Despite filing a bill on the death penalty, Pacquiao clarified that he “doesn’t want… innocent people [to] be punished by death. So, we want to fix first our judicial system in this country and arrange everything and make sure that the government is performing their duty.”

Same-sex Marriage

In 2016, Pacquiao issued a public apology after saying that homosexuals are “worse than animals.” After the incident, Pacquiao stood by his belief and said that he’s still not in favor of same-sex marriage, but it doesn’t mean that he condemns it.

In fact, Pacquiao has a lot of relatives and staff who are members of the LGBTQ+ community and he loves them.

Divorce

In line with Pacquiao's conservative stance, he said he will not push for the legalization of divorce in the Philippines as he believes in the sacredness of marriage. He will not prevent legislators to pass a bill, but he won’t support its passage as well if he wins the presidential election.

As for abortion, it can be recalled that Pacquiao is one of the representatives who is against the Reproductive Health (RH) bill. His “pro-life” stance was prompted by his knockout from Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez, which strengthened his “belief in the sanctity of life.” In an interview with Rappler, Pacquiao opposed abortion, even for rape victims who were impregnated by their abuser because he firmly believes that life is a gift from God.

Environmental Concerns

During his time as Sarangani congressman in 2015, Pacquiao filed a bill to fight climate change and reinforce forestry projects across the country. Instead of spending on vices, Pacquiao encouraged Filipinos to plant more trees to help save the environment and reduce the effects of flooding.

As part of his environmental plans, he urged authorities to monitor any incidents of smoke-belching in their community. Pacquiao also supported the full implementation of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, also known as Republic Act No. 8749. Should he win in the 2022 elections, he said he will ask Congress to pass a law creating an infrastructure master plan to mitigate disaster risk and damages.

“This infrastructure master plan should not just focus on the construction of roads, bridges, railways, subways, airports, and seaports, but should also focus on improving our country’s disaster preparedness and resiliency,” Pacquiao said.

Fake News

There have been several instances when Pacquiao’s reputation was dragged in malicious and false news. Last September 2021, Pacquiao reportedly filed a complaint against the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church Pastor Apollo Quiboloy for spreading fake news that the senator allegedly spent P3.5 billion on a project for his home in Sarangani.

Combatting fake news and social media trolls were also tackled during The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews. Pacquiao answered that the public has the freedom to use social media but shall be limited to avoid abusive behaviors.