LIMAY, Bataan — Senatorial candidate and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao rode a big bike in his campaign sortie in Bataan, where he visited public markets in the province on Monday.
The former senator, who is running under the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas team of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was joined by other motorcycle riders when he visited several public markets in Dinalupihan, Balanga City, Mariveles and Morong.
Pacquiao and wife Jinky also made a courtesy call to Limay Mayor Jason David and waited for the arrival of fellow candidates Francis Tolentino and Benhur Abalos to address the big crowd at Limay Sports Complex.
Everywhere the boxing icon went, he was mobbed by people requesting a selfie or photograph.
He also granted a short interview with local reporters, explaining that he loves visiting public markets to get in touch with the poor people whose welfare, he said, he is fighting for.
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In his speech, Pacquiao said he will continue his housing and livelihood programs if he is voted back to the Senate.
This time, he said, he will make sure his Senate Bill 2463, an act providing for a free public housing program, will become law.
He said he will review and question why the 2025 national budget for education was slashed.
Pacquiao, a many-time world boxing champion, said he will also focus on sports.
"We need a solid and concrete program for sports development in the country," he said.
"We need to strengthen our grassroots sports development program. That's very important."