Duterte raises Pacquiao hand 'for president na ito'

Pacquiao for president?

President Rodrigo Duterte joked about the Filipino ring icon possibly seeking higher office on Monday when Senator Manny Pacquiao called on the chief executive in Malacañang.

Upon entering Malacañang's Music Room, Duterte raised Pacquiao's hand and quipped, "For President na ito ah."

Duterte jokes while posing with Pacquiao for photos earlier: For president na ito ah. pic.twitter.com/3uk8kF2OYx

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) November 14, 2016

Afterward, Pacquiao handed Duterte a "Fight On" shirt.

The courtesy call came a week after Pacquiao regained the WBO welterweight title from Mexican-American fighter Jessie Vargas last November 6.

During the meeting, Duterte told Pacquiao that he agreed the fighter's defense of Philippine National Police (PNP) Dir. Gen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa acceptance of an all-expense free trip to watch the fight in Las Vegas.

"I would like to send the warmest congratulations of the Filipino people and government to the senator for doing us proud... At saka tama 'yung ano, tama 'yung pagdepensa mo kay ano, kay Bato," Duterte told Pacquiao.

Sen. Manny Pacquiao now in Malacañang to meet with Pres. Duterte pic.twitter.com/anMKl0GpTY

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) November 14, 2016

Duterte now having a meeting with Pacquiao in Malacañang pic.twitter.com/Z9uRmk3K3B

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) November 14, 2016

The Office of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has launched an investigation on Dela Rosa's free trip from Pacquiao for possible violation of Presidential Decree 46, which makes it punishable for public officials and employees to receive gifts on any occasion, and Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

"Ang dinonate mo, ang dinonate mo 'yung skill mo. It is a donation kung sabihin mo paano niya makita 'yung skill mo. 'Yung expenses, kaya mo man, commensurate to your wealth. So ang binayaran mo doon para mapapanood siya ng skill mo. There is no criminal liabi[lity]," the President said without finishing his statement.

Dela Rosa defended the free trip, saying the money was not taken from public funds.  —JST, GMA News