Former senator Manny Pacquiao officially launched his senatorial campaign here on Tuesday, alongside 11 other administration candidates under the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas (Alliance for a New Philippines) coalition.
The boxing legend cited the indomitable spirit and resilience of the Ilocano people, drawing parallels between their strength and his own journey from poverty to becoming an eight-division world champion and public servant.
“Ang mga Ilocano ay kilala sa sipag, tyaga at pagiging matatag sa harap ng pagsubok. Bilang isang taong lumaki sa hirap, nauunawaan ko ang inyong determinasyon at pagmamahal sa pamilya (Ilocanos are known for being hardworking, diligent and resilient in the face of hardship. As someone who grew up poor, I understand your determination and love for family)” Pacquiao said.
He emphasized his commitment to pushing for legislations and programs that will uplift ordinary Filipinos, particularly in livelihood, sports development and poverty alleviation.
“Pareho tayo, mula sa mahirap, nagsumikap at lumaban para sa pamilya at bayan. Kaya ngayon, nandito ako para ipaglaban ang mga Ilokano sa Senado dahil ang laban ninyo, laban ko rin (We are alike, from poverty, we persevered for our family and country. That’s why I’m here now to fight for Ilocanos in the Senate, because your fight is also my fight)!” Pacquiao said.
The 11 other senatorial candidates under the administration ticket are former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos; Makati Mayor Abigail Binay; Senators Francis Tolentino, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla and Imee Marcos; former senator Panfilo Lacson; former Senate president Vicente Sotto III; and ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo and Las Piñas Lone District Rep. Camille Villar.
During the proclamation rally led by no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., all the candidates promised a governance agenda focused on economic recovery, job creation, housing for the urban poor and national security. (Leilanie Adriano)
(Source: Philippine News Agency)