Senator Manny Pacquiao accepted the nomination of his party PDP-Laban to seek the presidency in 2022, joining a hotly contested race to succeed his erstwhile ally President Rodrigo Duterte.

The faction led by Pacquiao held its national assembly on Sunday, September 19, where party members nominated him as the standard-bearer.

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PDP-Laban-Senator Manny Pacquiao faction honors party founder, the late Senate president Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

Mrs. Bing Pimentel, wife of the late senator, welcomed the recognition for her husband.

Addressing the “authentic members of the party,” she said: “Pinaghirapan po ni Nene at Ninoy [Aquino] ang partido para sa ating lahat.“

” Thank you for honoring and recognizing the ideas, beliefs, and sacrifices…. of the original freedom fighters.”

We’re just waiting for the formal announcement. But it’s already set: Sen Manny Pacquiao is running for president in the 2022 elections.

Pacquiao camp insiders said there were previous talks with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno but neither of the two wanted to slide down to vice presidential bet.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III calls the other faction led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi “suwapang” (greedy). He said the party will not allow them to hijack the party.

At the opening of the program, the prayer leader prayed, hinting at Senator Manny Pacquiao’s presidential run: “Sa opisyal na pagnonomina sa pagkakandidato para sa nalalapit na pampanguluhan ng bansa sa katauhan ng aming pambato si Emmanuel Pacquaio.”