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The Political Punch: Manny Pacquiao’s rise to power

Karim Zidan delves into Manny Pacquiao’s trajectory from boxing legend to influential politician in the Philippines, as well as his controversial record on gay rights and the death penalty.

With only 17 months left before the 2022 presidential election, Manny Pacquiao has taken a significant step towards becoming the presumptive nominee for his country’s highest post.

During a Fellowship Night held by the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP)-Laban party – the political party of President Rodrigo Duterte – Pacquiao was chosen as President of the ruling party.

The boxing icon-turned-politician was sworn in on Wednesday, Dec. 2, by former party president and Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who will now serve as PDP-Laban’s Executive Vice-Chairman.