Why can't Filipinos be angry with Pacquiao?

3 years ago, Manny Pacquiao quietly "stepped down" in a playground he probably never belonged to. But now, Pacman is back, and has once again made the Filipino people feverish.

Pacquiao has always been loved by Filipinos - Photo: REUTERS

Where Pacquiao truly belongs

In May 2022, Pacquiao reached the "final" of the Philippine presidential election under the Promdi banner. But the result was that he only achieved 3.63 million votes (6.8%), only about 1/10 compared to the winner, Mr. Bongbong Marcos (current president).

Pacquiao may never have been a strong candidate for the presidency, but such a small number of votes really shocked him - as described by the Philippine media.

Pacquiao has lost 8 out of 73 fights, but his political career is perhaps the biggest failure in the life of "Pacman" (his nickname). Because of that failure, Pacquiao realized that the love of the people is reasonable.

While serving as a congressman from 2010 to 2016, Pacquiao was criticized for his frequent absences from congressional sessions. When he became a senator, Pacquiao was again exposed for his lack of political knowledge.

Filipinos gather to cheer Pacquiao - Photo: REUTERS

And there have been many times when the legendary boxer of the island nation has been criticized by public opinion due to his somewhat rash statements, such as when he discriminated against the LGBT community in 2016.

And after all, 10 years in politics may have helped Pacquiao understand where he truly belongs. That is the boxing ring.

After 4 years of retirement, Pacman returned last weekend, with a fight against Mario Barrios - the boxer holding the WBC welterweight championship belt.

In Manila, thousands gathered in Welfareville to watch the game on a large screen placed under the basketball backboard, despite heavy rains caused by Typhoon Wipha that made it difficult for spectators.

It was just one of the many places to watch the Pacquiao-Barrios fight. A frenzied atmosphere filled the Philippines last Saturday night (in the US).

Although there are no specific figures, Philippine media reported that the viewership of Pacquiao's recent match could be close to the record of his fight with Mayweather in 2015, when the rating reached 46.9% on three major TV channels.

Pacman's stunning return shows how much the Filipino people still love him.

Rage over Pacman's "stolen victory"

The match ended in a majority draw, angering millions of Filipinos who felt their icon was being unfairly treated.

In Welfareville, the crowd jumped to their feet screaming in dismay as the television broadcast was interrupted at the decisive moment.

At the MGM Grand (where the fight took place), many Filipino fans booed when the result was announced, causing Pacquiao to lose his championship belt.

On social networks the next day, from fanpages to X (Twitter) were flooded with status lines like "Pacman has been robbed", "so unfair to the legend".

Western media such as TalkSport, AP, and The Guardian all called this an emotional comeback, and said Pacquiao deserved to win.

But it was through the anger of the fans that Pacquiao perhaps received the biggest victory on his return to the ring. The love of the public.

Pacquiao when running for president - Photo: REUTERS

The Philippines does not lack talent: from basketball with old generation stars like Carlos Loyzaga, or the modern generation like Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo - who won Olympic gold medals.

But Pacquiao remains the undisputed king. There have been national and international polls: and he has been named “athlete of the decade” by the Philippine Sportswriters Association for several years.

In 2024, ESPN named Pacquiao one of the “Greatest Asian Athletes of the 21st Century.” And more importantly, the Western elite sports community has long recognized Pacquiao as an ambassador for the Philippines.

Born in 1978 in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Pacquiao came from a poor working-class family. His teenage years were spent studying and working in the market to support his family, before he decided to become a young boxer.

Pacquiao in the match with Barrios (left) - Photo: REUTERS

At the age of 16, Pacquiao stepped into the professional ring, opening a legendary journey, culminating when he became the first boxer to hold championship belts in 8 different weight classes.

Notably, at the age of 40, he became the oldest welterweight champion (WBA belt) in history. His career was decorated with many historical awards such as Fighter of the Decade (great fighter of the 2000s), ESPY Best Fighter (2009, 2011), and many Guinness records.

In 2021, Pacquiao announced that he was hanging up his gloves to officially enter the presidential race. But a year later, he accepted a bitter defeat, and has been in hiding for the past 3 years.

It is undeniable that there was a period when Pacquiao was criticized by the Filipino people. But the Philippine media also affirmed that this was a clear result between reason and emotion.

Pacquiao has received criticism, but he has never been hated. Because outside of his political office, his social activities have always been widespread. The Philippines Daily Inquirer reported that Pacquiao has donated tens of millions of dollars to social activities in the Philippines.

After all, Pacquiao is back where he truly belongs. There is no Filipino who does not love Pacman.

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-sao-nguoi-philippines-khong-the-gian-pacquiao-20250721104555751.htm