Pacquiao throws support for Villar, joins NP
Posted on December 18th, 2009
It’s official – Manny for Manny. Manny Pacquiao for Manny Villar that is. That is because the pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao has declared his support for Nacionalist Party (NP) president and standard-bearer Senator Manny Villar.
He officially joined the roster of NP members when he took his oath allegiance… err, membership, before Villar last Thursday in his mansion in General Santos City. The oath-taking was followed by Pacquiao’s 31st celebration which was held at the KCC Events and Convention Center in General Santos City.
Guests, which were more than 2,000, include Villar, Ilocos Norte Representative Bongbong Marcos, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, Finance Secretary Gary Teves and Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña.
Pacquiao will be running for congressman of Sarangani in 2010, under the NP banner.
Villar said, “Manny Pacquiao, who has thrown his best punches to hoist our country’s pride and honor, is a deeply valued partner in our campaign to help keep our people from being knocked out by extreme hardships. Our affinity is anchored on our common background in poverty where we harnessed the Filipino values of hard work and determination which have seen us through our struggles.”
Pacquiao supported Villar because he said they both have humble beginnings. He said both he and the senator exemplify sipag at tiyaga (hard work and perseverance), which is Villar’s campaign slogan.
For his part, Villar believes Pacquiao’s entry into the NP would benefit both sides. “I’m happy with Manny joining our group. We’re friends. We have the same roots,” Villar said.
But even though he already joined the NP ranks, Pacquiao said that his respect for the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party remains.
