Philippine boxing legend, Manny Pacquiao has taken over as head of the ruling political party in Phillippines, it was announced on Thursday.
.
Pacquiao, who is a senator in the Philippines, was sworn in as the national president of the political party of President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday night, said Ron Munsayac, Executive Director of the PDP-Laban party.
.
The takeover took place more than one year before the country’s next presidential elections in 2022.
.
When asked if the takeover was a prelude to Pacquiao’s presidential run, Munsayac said, “It’s still too early to talk about the presidential elections.
.
“What we can expect is more activities and avenues to help our countrymen in the grass-roots levels.
.
“Senator Pacquiao will bring not only more energy to the party in the sense of expanding its membership.’’
.
Pacquiao’s term as a senator is due to end in 2022 when the Philippines are scheduled to elect a new president, vice president and other officials.
.
He is eligible to run for another term in the Senate, or for another position.
.
After he was sworn in, Pacquiao promised to be beholden only to the Filipino people.
.
“We are here to fight for the poor, the jobless, the homeless, the voiceless, and the hopeless.
.
“This is what the PDP-Laban under Manny Pacquiao will stand for,’’ he added.
.
Pacquiao, a world champion in eight different weight classes, has been named as a possible candidate for the presidency in 2022, but he has so far not discussed his future political plans.