Leader who knows sentiments of the poor needed as president in 2022 — Pacquiao

Presidential candidate and Senator Manny Pacquiao on Sunday said he is hoping that a leader who understands and shares the sentiments of the poor will be elected president in the May elections.

At the presidential debate organized by CNN Philippines, Pacquiao said "good" platforms and programs had long been heard in the past elections.

"Ang importante talaga dito sa bansa natin, magkaroon tayo ng isang leader na my totoong pagmamahal at malasakit sa ating bayan, lalong lalo na sa ating mga kababayan na naghihirap. 'Yung nakadama sa nararamdaman ng mga nagugutom na pamilya, 'yung nakadama sa nararamdaman ng nawalan ng tahanan at nawalan ng trabaho, 'yun po ang kailangan nating leader sa bansa," Pacquiao said.

(What is important is for us to have a leader who has a genuine love and concern for our country, especially to the poor. One who can relate to what a hungry family feels, those who lost their homes and jobs ... that's the kind of leader this country needs.)

Pacquiao added the next president should be a Godly leader.

"Kung hindi man si Manny Pacquiao, I am hoping ang Panginoon maglagay ng isang Godly person, Godly leader, may takot sa Panginoon at tunay na nagmamahal sa ating bansa," he said.

(If not Manny Pacquiao, I am hoping that God will install a godly person, godly leader ... one who fears the Lord and who has genuine love for our country.)

"Hindi magnanakaw, hindi materialistic, hindi mahalaga sa kaniya ang pera kundi magseserbisyo lamang sa taong bayan," Pacquiao added.

(One who is not a thief, not materialistic, one who will prioritize public service over money.) — RSJ, GMA News