By Steffi De Chavez & Pilar Toribio

Last November 9, presidential aspirant Manny Pacquiao met with President Duterte in Malacañang. Two days later, BANAT NEWS TV claimed in a video that the Commission on Elections had announced Pacquaio’s departure from the presidential race.  As of writing, the video has been deleted. 

The video reported that the reason Pacquiao had met with Duterte was to discuss his capabilities as a leader if ever he were to successfully win as President. Upon realizing he would not perform well compared to others, Pacquiao left the Malacañang confirming his withdrawal because “there are more deserving candidates,” alluding to the recent Ferdinand “Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr.-Sara Duterte tandem. 

The video claiming Pacquiao’s “withdrawal” was then shared on Facebook by B0ngb0ng Marc0s Supp0rters Info on November 12, garnering thousands of engagements from Marcos Jr. supporters. As of writing, the post has received a total of 924 reacts, 615 comments and 139 shares.

“Walang atrasan. Tuloy ang laban.”

In response to these accusations, Pacquiao then issued a statement shortly after the video was posted. He made it clear that his intentions on running have not yet changed, and that he is still a candidate in the presidential race. 

“Walang atrasan. Tuloy ang laban,” he said. 

When asked about his recent visit with Duterte, he said the meet-up was organized “by common friends” and was not political. However, he clarified that the time was spent on discussing their “shared vision for Mindanao”.

However, in his statement, Pacquiao also mentioned his strong resolve to run as president as well as his future plans he wishes to implement. 

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