Pacquiao recalls sinful past, struggle for righteous living

Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao preaches before Court of Appeals employees about his “manual to life” and how his newfound faith changed his ways. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines –”I drink, I womanize, I gamble,” boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao said of his sinful past before he discovered and embraced the Evangelical Christian church.

Pacquiao went to the Court of Appeals to preach at the Christmas party of Christian employees of the appeals court.

Those who were able to attend the event told INQUIRER.net that Pacquiao recalled the days when he thought that going to church three times a week and praying fives time daily were enough to make him a “godly person.”

“I drink, I womanize, nagsusugal ako (I gamble). Hindi ako nahihiya (I felt no shame then). Yan ang buhay ko noon (That has been my life). Ako pala ay hindi godly person (I realized that I can’t call myself godly person). I only know God,” Pacquiao was quoted as saying.

But now, Pacquiao said the Bible is his manual for righteous living. He said he was taught to follow the commandments and understand God’s will.

The get-together initially was exclusive to Born Again Christian employees of the Court of Appeals, but eventually they allowed other employees of various religious beliefs to attend the gathering.

However, members of the media were barred from attending the assembly because it was supposed to be exclusive to two media organizations only.

RELATED STORIES

Manny Pacquiao, Chris Algieri make weight

Pacquiao mulling 2016 run