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Duterte to Pacquiao: I want to make you president
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses for a photo with Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao and his family during the Senator’s birthday celebration at the KCC Convention and Events Center in General Santos City on December 17, 2017. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said that he wants to make Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao president of the country.
Speaking at Pacquiao’s 39th birthday celebration at the KCC Convention and Events Center in General Santos City, Duterte said the senator has the ability to become the Philippine president.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, at one time…kami lang dalawa nag-usap, “Yung style mo na ‘yan gusto kita gawing presidente (I told him one time… while we were alone, that style of yours, I want to make you president),” Duterte said, “Alam mo kaya mo (I know you can),” he added.
“Parang tape recorder, next election, patutugtugin mo lang, ganun na yan (It’s like a tape recorder, next election, you’ll just play it, and that’s it),” he added.
In his speech, Duterte expressed his gratitude to Pacquiao for supporting the administration’s effort to make the country better.
“As a senator, you have demonstrated the qualities of a true leader—someone who believes that in order to make the Philippines a better country, we have to keep our people on top of our priorities. I am glad that you are with me in this mission,” the President said.
Duterte also said that it was his pleasure to be with the senator as they share happy memories in the celebration of another milestone in the senator’s life. The Chief Executive likewise praised the world champion boxer for being an icon of inspiration and for his dedication to public service.
“You have brought so much pride and joy to our country for being a world champion in the field of boxing,” he said.
“The determination you have shown and the humility you embody in the midst of glorious triumphs are worthy of emulation by our countrymen,” he added.
Duterte said he was praying for good health of the pound-for-pound boxing champion and for his family so that he will be able to serve the Filipinos.
“Continue to inspire and uplift others as we lead them towards a more prosperous and comfortable life,” he added.
Pacquiao, for his part, said that it was beyond belief that an ordinary man roaming the streets of his hometown, have become one of the world’s most famous boxing champion and now a senator.
He added that despite many challenges in his life, he worked hard to reach what kind of life he was having now.
“I want to be an inspiration to everyone, especially the poor. Huwag kayong susuko sa buhay. Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa at (huwag) ma-discourage (Don’t give up on life. Don’t lose hope and don’t be discouraged) because God has plan for you,” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao’s mother, Dionisia, said she is proud of what his son has accomplished. However, she leaves it to fate if the senator would be the next president of the Philippines.
“Susuportahan ko siya, bahala na ang Diyos kung saan siya dadalhin sa mundo ng pulitika (I will support him, it is up to the Lord where would he take my son in the world of politics),” she said.
This is not the first time the President mentioned that Pacquiao may become Philippine president one day.
Duterte first mentioned the possibility of seeking higher office after Pacquiao regained the WBO welterweight title from Mexican-American fighter Jessie Vargas in 2016. He raised it again in his speech during the boxing icon’s 38th birthday celebration in General Santos City.
