Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao
Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao Sr., born December 17, 1978, is a Filipino politician, businessman, and former professional boxer widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Known as 'PacMan,' he previously served as a Senator from 2016 to 2022 and as Sarangani Representative from 2010 to 2016. Pacquiao is the only eight-division world champion in boxing history and has won twelve major world titles. Beyond his sporting career, he has been active in politics since 2010 and unsuccessfully ran for president in 2022, placing third behind Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Leni Robredo. During his previous term as Senator, he authored or co-authored numerous laws, including the National Bible Day Act, the Handbook for OFWs Act, and the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law. After criticizing the Marcos family during his presidential campaign, Pacquiao is now running for Senate under President Marcos Jr.'s coalition for the 2025 election.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of Makati (2019)
- Master of Public Administration, Philippine Christian University (2022)
Career Highlights
- Senator of the Philippines (2016-2022)
- Representative of Sarangani (2010-2016)
- Chair of the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee (2018-2022)
- Chair of the Senate Public Works Committee (2016-2022)
- Eight-division world boxing champion
- Presidential candidate (2022)
- Evangelical Christian preacher (since 2012)
Key Platforms
Anti-Corruption
Fighting corruption in government remains his primary advocacy, promising to continue investigations into corrupt officials and promoting transparency in governance.
Economic Development
Supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to create more employment opportunities and strengthen the national economy.
Healthcare Reform
Expanding healthcare access for all Filipinos, building on his previous work co-authoring the Universal Health Care Act and National Integrated Cancer Control Act.
OFW Protection
Strengthening protections and support systems for Overseas Filipino Workers, continuing his advocacy from his first Senate term.
National Security
Supporting the country's sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea while promoting diplomatic solutions to territorial disputes.
Track Record
Legislative Accomplishments
Authored or co-authored 25 laws during his time as a legislator (2010-2022), including the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law, National Bible Day Act, and Handbook for OFWs Act.
Committee Leadership
Served as Chair of the Senate Public Works Committee and Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee, overseeing infrastructure development and ethical standards in the Senate.
Corruption Investigation
Initiated investigations into alleged corruption in government agencies, including a probe into the Philippines's social welfare ministry where he alleged a 'web of corruption' involving pandemic aid.
Attendance Issues
Was criticized for his attendance record, having the worst attendance in the House of Representatives (2015-2016) and in the Senate (2018-2019) due to his boxing career.
Legal Cases & Controversies
Tax Case with Bureau of Internal Revenue
Faced a P2.2 billion tax case with the Bureau of Internal Revenue regarding his earnings from fights in the United States, which was eventually settled.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Supports strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises to increase employment opportunities. Advocates for economic policies that help alleviate poverty and promote inclusive growth. |
| Education | Favors reforms in the educational system to make it more accessible, especially for underprivileged youth. Has not outlined specific education policies for his 2025 campaign. |
| Healthcare | Co-authored the Universal Health Care Act and National Integrated Cancer Control Act. Supports expanding healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations. |
| Environment | Advocates for the creation of a 'super-agency' integrating climate change response and disaster risk reduction, recognizing the connection between climate change and natural disasters. |
| Labor | Strong advocate for overseas Filipino workers' rights, having authored the Handbook for OFWs Act. Supports measures to create more domestic jobs to reduce the need for Filipinos to work abroad. |
| Agriculture | Has not articulated a comprehensive agricultural platform, though supports policies to ensure food security. |
| Governance | Anti-corruption remains his primary advocacy. Promises to investigate and prosecute corrupt officials. Previously criticized the current administration for corruption but now aligns with President Marcos Jr. |
| Foreign Policy | Previously stated that the Philippines should rejoin the International Criminal Court. Regarding the West Philippine Sea, advocates for diplomatic negotiations with China while asserting Philippine sovereignty. |
| Charter Change | Has not taken a definitive stance on charter change in his 2025 Senate campaign. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Opposes same-sex marriage and SOGIE Equality Bill based on religious beliefs. Once controversially stated that homosexuals are 'worse than animals,' though later apologized for the remark. |
| Drug War | Previously supported Duterte's war on drugs but later became critical of its implementation. Prefers rehabilitation approaches for drug users. |
| Icc | Believes the Philippines should rejoin the ICC and supports its right to investigate extrajudicial killings that occurred during Duterte's administration. |
Sources & Citations
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manny_Pacquiao
- https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/manny-pacquiao-runs-files-certificate-candidacy-senator-2025/
- https://rollingstonephilippines.com/state-of-affairs/2025-philippine-elections-senatorial-primer-manny-pacquiao/
- https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/manny-pacquiao-did-not-pass-any-law-years-as-legislator/
- https://time.com/6101300/manny-pacquiao-philippines-president/
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
