VP bid out of Pacquiao’s Eleksyon 2022 choices

Senator Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday ruled out a vice presidential bid in next year’s national elections.

“Abangan niyo po ang announcement ko sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan. Tatlo po ang consideration ko na puwede kong takbuhan, pagtakbo ng pagkapangulo, pagtakbo ng senador, or umalis na sa politika,” Pacquiao said in an ANC interview.

(Wait for my announcement. I am considering three choices: running for president, running again for Senate, or retiring from politics.)

In case he will run for an elective office in 2022, Pacquiao said he will run for a post where he sees himself effective.

“Kasi kung sakali man ako tumakbo gusto ko epektibo ako,” Pacquiao explained when asked why the vice-presidential bid is not part of his choices.

(In case I will run, I want to be effective.)

Retirement

Attempts to destroy his reputation was also the reason why he considers retiring from politics.

“Unang una, ‘yung consideration ko na umalis na sa politika, di na tatakbo, minsan di ko maintindihan dahil itong mga tao gumagawa ng fabricated story para sirain ako ‘yung pangalan ko na inaalagaan ko sa buong buhay ko,” Pacquiao said.

(First of all, I consider retiring from politics because there are people who fabricate stories to destroy my name which I protect.)

This was not the first time that the camp of Pacquiao has spoken about not seeking the vice presidency.

In a previous interview, Pacquiao’s spokesperson, Monico Puentevella, said the lawmaker does not even think about the idea of running for vice president.

Last week, Pacquiao said he will finalize his decision whether to gun for the country’s top post or not before October.

Apart from his 2022 plans, Pacquiao will bare his 22-round agenda for the Philippines and the decision for his boxing career. — Hana Bordey/RSJ, GMA News