MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao has admitted defeat Tuesday evening, backing down from the biggest fight of his life and conceded the presidency to election frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
As of 10:50 p.m., the boxer-turned-senator was trailing Marcos Jr. and Vice President Leni Robredo, ranking third with over 3.627 million votes.
Related Stories
“My decision to run was driven by my utmost desire to serve the country and uplift the lives of poor Filipinos,” Pacquiao said in a video statement.
“Bilang isang boxer at atleta marunong akong tumanggap ng pagkatalo. Sana lang kahit talo ako sa laban na ito panalo pa rin ang mga kapwa ko Pilipino, ‘yung mga naghihirap.”
(As a boxer and as an athlete, I know how to accept defeat. Even if I lose this fight, I hope that my fellow Filipinos will still win, especially those who are considered poor.)
Prior to becoming a world-renowned boxer, Pacquiao lived in poverty. He figured boxing was his way out and after a successful boxing career, Pacquiao shifted to a role in politics where he promised to champion the poor.
“I will definitely continue my mission to help our people through the Manny Pacquiao foundation. I will never give up serving the people and those who are in need,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino. — Kaycee Valmonte