DUBAI: Filipino boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao, who was in Dubai on Tuesday afternoon, said he is endorsing Vice President Jejomar Binay for the 2016 Presidential/National Elections.
?It is Binay. I am for Binay,? said the first and only eight-division world champion and the first to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes.
Pacquiao talked about his political plans and his endorsement of Binay, whose political aspirations have been questioned, when he personally approached and shook hands with ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel Europe-Middle East bureau chief Danny Buenafe.
Buenafe, one of the more well-known and highly-respected broadcast journalists in the Philippine media, patiently waited for the 2016 senatorial aspirant at the entrance of the Provedore Restaurant at Sunset Mall in Jumeirah.
He was told that the Pacquiao meeting with select Filipino Community members was an exclusive gathering and no media interviews were allowed.
Buenafe told The Gulf Today he was there, because he had been asked to proceed to the restaurant after his morning interview with Pacquiao at the hotel was deferred.
This reporter came from a news coverage somewhere in Dubai Marina after receiving a tip.
Interviewed, Pacquiao said he is endorsing Binay because he belongs to the UNO political party of the former human rights lawyer-turned-politician.
He was asked on whether he is running for the Senate as he has been lambasted for his absenteeism at the House of Representatives, having attended only a few sessions.
Pacquiao stammered a bit and said: ?I am thinking about it. Yes, I am running. If I win then I give up boxing and only concentrate on [my team at the Professional Basketball Association]. Only basketball when I win.?
As for his being an absentee legislator, Pacquiao reasoned that his international boxing bouts brought fame and honour to his beloved country.
He believes his constituents are happy with the services he incessantly provides them, partly through his winnings.
Pacquiao turned down the invitation of the Filipino Community leaders behind the Bayanihan 2015 celebrations this December.
He said he had committed to attending a Filipino event in Singapore during the same month.
Aside from participating in the PBA Philippine Cup 2016 on Friday and Saturday, Pacquiao is also in Dubai to set up a coffee shop.
