Senator Manny Pacquiao announced his candidacy for the upcoming 2022 national elections on Sunday, 2021 September 19, during the National Convention of PDP-Laban Pacquiao faction.

Pacquiao accepted the nomination of the party led by him and Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel.

He thanked Senator Koko Pimentel for his support for the PDP-Laban. The faction also gave the senator the power to choose his running mate.

“Panahon na upang manalo naman ang mga naapi,” Pacquiao said.

Weeks after challenging Duterte over his position on China and record on fighting corruption, Pacquiao was ousted as PDP-Laban leader in July, but his ouster was rejected by his faction.

Analysts see Pacquiao’s presidential bid as a threat to Duterte’s candidacy in 2022, as it can split the vote in the southern island where they both come from.

It can be recalled that Pacquiao had apparently pissed off Duterte when the senator made comments about corruption under the present government.