Boxing champ Pacquiao can be president too like housewife Cory, says Panelo

Manny Pacquiao reacts after defeating Keith Thurman by split decision in a welterweight title fight Saturday, July 20, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

MANILA, Philippines—Legendary boxing champion turned politician Manny Pacquiao could be the Philippines’ next president just like how a housewife became the country’s first woman president, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Tuesday.

Panelo said this after President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly said in a speech on Monday night that Pacquiao is “entertaining” the thought of becoming a president.

Sought for comment, Panelo said “anybody” is qualified for the top elective post.

“The Constitution gives requirements. So anybody, any citizens of this country passing those basic qualifications can be president. You must remember the housewife, Cory Aquino, became president,” he told reporters in Malacañang.

“Anybody can be a good president until he seats in the office. We don’t know,” he added.

Pacquiao, who is already eligible for the presidency since he turned 40 on Dec. 17, 2018, said earlier this year that he doesn’t want to be president.

“I have no plans to run for president,” he said.

READ: Manny Pacquiao: I have no plans to run for president

Pacquiao was the campaign manager of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) during the May 2019 midterms elections.

The eight-division world champion won as senator in the May 2016 presidential elections. He previously served as Sarangani representative.