Manny Pacquiao denies report that he’s broke

Nissi Icasiano

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Manny Pacquiao denies report that he’s broke
Pacquiao dismisses claims that he badly needs money after winning a senatorial seat in the Philippine elections last May

MANILA, Philippines – There are many speculations as to why Manny Pacquiao decided to end his brief retirement from boxing and wear his 8-ounce gloves again, including a report that he is encountering financial challenges. 

In an interview with PhilBoxing.com, Pacquiao dismissed claims that he badly needed money after winning a senatorial seat in the recently-concluded Philippine elections last May.

“I’ve been fighting for the past 21 years and recipient of so many of what I consider as ‘jokes’ perhaps, to disarm me every time na lalaban ako (I will fight). But, I’ll tell you, itong birong ito ang pinaka-nakatatawa at nakaiinis (this joke that I’m broke is the funniest and most annoying),” he said. 

Pacquiao cited his value of nearly P4 billion as proof that he has not lost a large amount of money in his bank account. In his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) for 2015, Pacquiao had declared a net worth of P3.27 billion.

“Me, broke? Come on. Last year lang, as member of the Lower House, I was adjudged as the richest congressman based on SALN I filed for year 2015,” he said.

“How can that happen? Nagastos ko na lahat ang halos P4 bilyon na kinita ko sa panahon ng pagbo-boksing ko (They mean I spent the almost P4 billion I earned from boxing?)”

The 37-year-old southpaw from General Santos City will be stepping into the ring to challenge Jessie Vargas for the WBO welterweight championship on November 5. 

Pacquiao, who is known for his rags-to-riches journey, disclosed that he has a sufficient sum of money to secure his family’s future.

“All of my wealth, of course, came from boxing,” he said. “Truth is, and I’m not bragging, sa mga kinita ko at ng mga negosyo, hindi na kami magugutom sa mga nalalabi pa ng buhay namin (with all my earnings and businesses, my family and I will not go hungry for the rest of our lives).”

Boxing’s only 8-division world champion stressed that the sport is his primary source of income and that he uses part of his fight purse to lend a helping hand to his countrymen. 

“As a congressman, everybody must have already known that I have been helping so many of my constituents in their needs, most of them financial assistance, out of my own pocket,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao considers boxing his passion and does not see any conflict between the sport and politics as long as he divides his attention evenly. 

“I told myself, puwede namang pagsabayin (it’s possible to do both at the same time). Boxing and government service. Patuloy akong makakapagpaligaya ng mga tao sa pamamagitan ng boksing (I will continue to give joy through boxing). And at the same time, continue serving humanity,” he explained. – Rappler.com

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