MANILA, Oct 1 (Reuters) – Newly retired boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was the primary to file his candidacy to be the subsequent president of the Philippines on the start of registration for hundreds of political posts in what is anticipated to be a hotly contested election in May subsequent yr.
The week-long registrations, often a festive occasion with massive crowds, might be extra sober this yr with restrictions in place to combat one among Asia’s deadliest COVID-19 epidemics.
Pacquiao, who was joined by his spouse and running mate, home deputy speaker Lito Atienza, submitted his certificates of candidacy to the ballot body with out fanfare, earlier than saying just a few phrases to the media about his plans ought to he get elected.
“My priority is to resolve the pandemic so we can drive the economy to recovery,” mentioned Pacquiao, who was sporting a maroon polo shirt and a white face masks together with his and the Philippine flag’s picture.
On his approach to the registration building, Pacquiao was greeted by dozens of supporters ready by the roadside and waving banners that learn “Fight, Pacman.”
Pacquiao mentioned he was unperturbed by the results of an opinion poll exhibiting him in fourth spot amongst most popular presidential contenders, saying: “The voices of the poor have not been heard.”
One of the best boxers of all time and the one man to carry world titles in eight totally different divisions, Pacquiao retired from boxing in September to run for the presidency. He is a two-term congressman and presently senator.
The registration course of ought to put an finish to months of hypothesis over who will vie to succeed firebrand President Rodrigo Duterte, 76, who beneath the structure can not search re-election and can contest the vice presidency race instead. learn extra
Philippine senator and newly retired boxing icon Manny Pacquiao waves from his bus earlier than submitting his certificates of candidacy for president, in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines, October 1, 2021. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
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Aside from Pacquiao, two different contenders have declared their intention to run for president. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, a former actor, and Senator Panfilo Lacson, an ex police chief, have been anticipated to file their certificates within the following days.
But the highlight might be on Sara Duterte-Carpio, the president’s daughter, regardless of her ruling out running for the office next year.
Duterte-Carpio, 43, changed her father as Davao City mayor when he grew to become president, and she or he stays by far the most well-liked presidential prospect, in keeping with successive opinion polls this yr.
Analysts say it’s essential her father’s successor is a loyalist, to insulate him from potential authorized motion at residence or by the International Criminal Court, over the hundreds of state killings in his struggle on medicine since 2016.
Critics say his curiosity within the vice presidency can be a self-preservation transfer. Duterte says his motivation is public service, not energy.
Vice president, Leni Robredo, who leads the opposition, can be being urged by supporters to run for the highest submit.
“In the coming days, please pray with me so that our decision will be what is best for our country,” she mentioned.
More than 60 million Filipinos will vote in May 2022 for a brand new president, vp, and greater than 18,000 lawmakers and native authorities officers.
Candidates have till Oct. 8 to register, however withdrawals and substitutions are allowed till Nov. 15, leaving scope for last-minute adjustments of coronary heart, just like the 11th hour entry of Duterte for the 2016 election, which he received by an enormous margin.
Reporting by Karen Lema; Additional reporting by Neil Jerome Morales and Eloisa Lopez; Editing by Martin Petty and Raju Gopalakrishnan
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
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