Manny Pacquiao on political dynasty: ‘Everyone has right to run’

Former Senator Manny Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Manny Pacquiao, who is seeking a Senate comeback, has addressed the political dynasty accusation hurled against his family.

Pacquiao answered the allegations after he filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) before the Commission on Elections at the Manila Hotel Tent City on Monday.

“You know our constitution, our law states, that everyone has a right to run as long as you are qualified on the requirements. What are those qualifications? As long as you could read and write,” he said in Filipino.

“When you don’t allow a person to run, you strip them of their rights, which contradicts the law,” he added.

However, Pacquiao said the constitutional provision prohibiting political dynasties should be followed once there is an enabling law against it.

“Ang akin dito hindi para sa pamilya, ang akin dito hindi para sa sarili ko, kundi para sa bayan,” he added.

(My point is, this is not for my family and myself, this is for the country.)

Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee is seeking a seat in the House of Representatives under the MPBL party-list, while his son Michael Stephen is included in the final lineup of the 12 city council seats of the People’s Champ Movement in Sarangani.

READ: Jinkee Pacquiao seeks House seat under MPBL party-list

Meanwhile, his sister-in-law Lorelie is the mayor of General Santos City and is seeking reelection.

READ: Pacquiao son to seek council seat in GenSan