PRO-POOR. Presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao during a campaign sortie in Tacloban City on the night of April 27, 2022. The boxing icon called for a “revolution” against poverty as he asked voters to give him a chance to lead the country in the next six years. (PNA photo by Sarwell Q. Meniano)
TACLOBAN CITY – Presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday night called for a revolution against poverty as he asked voters to give him a chance to lead the country in the next six years.
Speaking to thousands of supporters at the RTR Plaza here, Pacquiao takes pride as the only presidential candidate who suffered extreme poverty during his younger years and succeeded to become the People’s Champ.
“Di niyo siguro naranasan ang pinagdaanan na ko na matulog sa kalye at uminom lang ng tubig kasi walang pambili ng pagkain. (You may not have experienced what I’ve gone through like sleeping on the streets and just drink water since we have no money to buy food),” he said during his 15-minute speech.
Pacquiao urged voters to make May 9 elections a day of “revolution” for the masses by voting for someone who understands the plight of the poor.
“Itong laban ni Manny Pacquiao, lagi kong sinasabi ito ay rebolusyon para sa mga mahihirap para mabigyan sila ng pansin (Manny Pacquiao’s fight is a revolution for the poor so that they will be given attention),” he said.
“Panahon na para ang mga mahihirap naman ang manalo (It’s time for the poor to triumph),” Pacquiao added.
As the country’s top boxing icon, Pacquiao said his experience of personal hardships will better equip him to understand the people's suffering and fight poverty and corruption.
“Bigyan nyo lang ako ng pagkakataon na mamuno, ipapakulong ko lahat ng mga corrupt para di na tayo maghirap (Just give me the chance to lead and I will send all the corrupt to jail so that we won’t suffer poverty), he told the crowd.
Pacquiao said he does not need more wealth and fame, like what he attained as a multi-division world champion boxer, he wants to help his poor countrymen. (PNA)
