Philippine economy

Senator-elect Pacquiao on absences: I’ll do my best

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

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Senator-elect Pacquiao on absences: I’ll do my best
Senator-elect Manny Pacquiao explains why he can’t promise perfect attendance at the Senate

MANILA, Philippines – Infamous for his absences from the House of Representatives, Senator-elect Manny Pacquiao vowed on Thursday, May 19, to do his best to regularly attend sessions at the Senate.

Asked if he can promise never to be absent at the Senate, Pacquiao told reporters: “Hindi yata tama ang mangako ka, as a Christian. Gagawin natin lahat ng ating makakaya.” (It’s not right to make a promise, as a Christian. We will do our best.)

Pacquiao explained, “‘Pag nangako ka, for example, nangako ka na perfect attendance ka, tapos let’s say nagkasakit ka, hindi mo na natupad ang pangako mo.”

(If you promise, for example, that you will have a perfect attendance, and you get sick, then you fail to fulfill your promise.)

The Commission on Elections (Comelec), sitting as the National Board of Canvassers, proclaimed Pacquiao on Thursday as one of 12 new senators.

Pacquiao got the 7th highest number of votes – 16.05 million.

Before winning as senator, the 37-year-old boxer already served for two terms as Sarangani congressman.

Pacquiao was known for barely attending sessions at the House of Representatives.

In 2014, for instance, Pacquiao reportedly attended sessions at the House of Representatives for only 4 times. – Rappler.com

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Paterno R. Esmaquel II

Paterno R. Esmaquel II, news editor of Rappler, specializes in covering religion and foreign affairs. He finished MA Journalism in Ateneo and MSc Asian Studies (Religions in Plural Societies) at RSIS, Singapore. For story ideas or feedback, email pat.esmaquel@rappler.com