Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 15) — Senator Manny Pacquiao is determined to continue his presidential bid, saying the phrase “back out” is not in his vocabulary.
“I am a fighter and walang atrasan ito. Wala sa vocabulary ko ‘yang aatras. Para sa bayan. Kung ‘di nga ako umaatras para sa sarili ko, ano pa kaya ‘yung para sa bayan?” he said in an interview on Monday.
[Translation: I am a fighter and I’m not backing out. Backing out is not in my vocabulary. For the country. If I’m not backing out for myself, what more for the country?]
Pacquiao made the statement following reports that a presidential candidate would soon withdraw from the race.
In the latest survey by Pulse Asia, presidential bets Pacquiao and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno are tied at the third spot with 8% each, while Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is still the frontrunner with 60%.
Despite lagging behind in surveys, the boxer-turned-politician said there is still enough time to improve his standing. He explained his current ranking is just like the rounds four and five in a boxing match.
“We remain very optimistic because we are seeing a snowballing of support in the Visayas and in Mindanao,” he added.
Pacquiao’s campaign manager Salvador Zamora also expressed optimism that the presidential hopeful will get the support of evangelical Christians, including the Jesus is Lord Church led by Deputy Speaker Eddie Villanueva.
Zamora believes Pacquiao’s readiness to attend presidential debates and fora will also help raise voter awareness about the latter.
CNN Philippines’ Xianne Arcangel contributed to this report.
