Pacquiao remains optimistic despite Pulse Asia survey results

Presidential candidate and incumbent senator Manny Pacquiao on Monday his camp is still optimistic even though he only ranked third at 8% in the Pulse Asia survey on presidential bets conducted from January 19 to 24.

"We remain very optimistic because we are seeing a snowballing of support in the Visayas and in Mindanao,” Pacquiao said in a statement.

According to him, they are expecting to solidify all Visayans, noting that he is the only Visayan candidate among the presidentiables.

“Hindi po tayo nababahala sa mga lumalabas na survey. Lumalaban po ako upang ipaglaban ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan, lalung-lalo na ang ating mga mahihirap,” he said.

(I am not worried about the survey results. I am running to fight for the future of our country, especially of the poor.)

“We will continue campaigning for the future of our nation,” he sadded.

Pacquiao said that his camp is not relying on politicians but on the efforts of regular people who support him.

Former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. topped the Pulse Asia survey at 60%, with Vice President Leni Robredo placing a far second at 16%.

Pacquiao and Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko" Domagoso, scored 8%, while Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson got 4%. 

Surprise strategy

In a virtual press conference later in the day, Pacquiao expressed confidence that he has the numbers to win the 2022 presidential polls, noting that he is known for his surprises inside the boxing ring.

"Si Manny Pacquiao mahilig naman sa surprise e. Laban ko nga kay (Oscar) dela Hoya sabi nila hindi mananalo si Manny Pacquiao, nung laban na nakadilat 'yung mga mata nila," he said.

(Manny Pacquiao is known for surprises. During my fight with Dela Hoya, they said I will not win but they ended up shocked.)

He, however, refused to give a hint what these surprises will be.

"Iikot po tayo pero 'yung strategy namin sa ground ay kakaiba 'yun, 'wag nating sabihin (We will definitely make rounds but our strategy on the ground is very different)," he said.

The senator added the "fight" is still in the 4th round.

“Yung nangunguna hindi nananalo, kumbaga sa boxing nasa round 4 pa lang (Usually frontrunner in surveys does not win. In boxing, we are still in the round 4),” said Pacquiao.

He also said he is not bothered with the Mike Velarde's endorsement of the tandem of presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. and his runningmate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

"El Shaddai lang naman pero 'yung Christian community naniniwala ako na suportado nila ako, nagkaisa sila (It's just El Shaddai. I believe the Christian community will support me)," he said.

Asked on what their plans are on guest senatorial candidates who endorse other presidential bets, Pacquiao said his party will meet to decide on the matter and finalize their list.

"Para ka nang tanga n'un, nag-endorse na ng iba. Pag-uusapan namin kung ano ang dapat gawin, i-final ang list namin (It's as if you're stupid because they already endorsed another candidate. The party will discuss what we will do about it)," he said.—KG/AOL, GMA News