MANILA, Philippines ? Sarangani Province Congressman-elect Manny Pacquiao announced his transfer from the Nacionalista Party (NP) to President-elect Benigno ?Noynoy? Aquino III?s Liberal Party (LP), a day before his oath-taking on Monday.
?Susuportahan natin yung administrasyon na uupo ngayon, si Noynoy, dahil maganda rin naman ang hangarin niya at para din naman sa kababayan natin,? Pacquiao explained to reporters on Sunday.
Pacquiao said he even spoke with NP standard-bearer Sen. Manuel ?Manny? Villar, Jr. to explain his decision. The 7-division world champion endorsed Villar’s bid for the presidency in the May 10 polls.
He also said that he moved to the LP because he wants to make sure that the influx of projects in Sarangani Province will be continuous.
Pacquiao paid a courtesy call to Aquino last May at the President-elect?s home along Times Street in Quezon City where they talked about the problems of Sarangani Province as well as the power crisis in Mindanao. (Read: Manny Pacquiao vows support for Noynoy Aquino)
The Filipino boxing superstar, however, did not say when he will take his oath as a member of the LP. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao explains his transfer to the Liberal Party.
Serve the people
Pacquiao, meantime, also spoke to his political allies on Sunday to remind them about the real reasons why there were elected?to serve the people of Sarangani Province and fulfill the promises they made during the campaign period.
The congressman-elect?s inauguration, which began at 9 a.m. on Monday, is being held at the Sarangani Provincial Capitol grounds. He would be taking his oath alongside other elected officials of the province.
He said he would thank former Sarangani Province Rep. Erwin Chiongbian. Pacquiao defeated the former congressman?s brother, Roy, in the May 10 elections.
The world-renowned boxing champion also mentioned that he will continue the programs of the former administration. He is also looking forward to making his promises happen.
Pacquiao finished his 10-day executive coaching course last Friday, receiving his Development Legislation and Governance course certificate from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in Ortigas, Pasig City. (Read: Pacquiao finishes 10-day course, now ready for Congress) ? With a report from Jay Dayupay, ABS-CBN News SOKSARGEN
