A faction of the Philippines’ ruling political party on Sunday nominated boxing star Manny Pacquiao as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2022 election, his close ally Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said.
Pacquiao, currently a senator, was nominated by his PDP-Laban party allies during the group’s national assembly, days after a rival faction nominated President Rodrigo Duterte as its choice for vice president and his long-time aide, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, as the party’s presidential candidate.
Senator Manny Pacquiao accepted the nomination of his party, joining a hotly contested race to succeed his erstwhile ally President Rodrigo Duterte.
Though the senator is yet to choose a vice presidential candidate, he had admitted to meeting with other potential presidential bets Vice President Leni Robredo and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, but it appears that the talks have failed.
Duterte accepts 2022 vice presidential nomination
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, in early September, accepted his party’s nomination to run for vice president in next year’s election, forging ahead with a plan criticised by rivals as a cynical move to maintain his political power.
The mercurial leader, 76, is barred by the constitution from seeking a second term and his interest in the largely ceremonial post has been dismissed by opponents as a bid to stay in office to avoid potential legal action at home or abroad.
But Duterte said his decision was driven by love of country.
It isalso speculated that Duterte’s daughter, Sara, 43, who tool over from him as mayor of Davao City and belongs to a different party, may run for presdient.
Duterte has said he will rescind his interest for VP if his daughter runs for president.
Analysts say Duterte longs to remain in the corridors of power because he fears for political vendetta after he steps down.
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