Minority candidates vow to stay in Philippine presidential race

Manila, Apr 17 (EFE).- Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and four other candidates vowed on Sunday that they would continue their presidential candidacies despite low survey ratings for the May 2022 presidential elections in Philippines.

According to polls, Pacquiao, Manila’s mayor, Francisco Domagoso, as well as lawmakers Vicento Soto, Panfilo Lacson and Norberto Gonzales account for less than 10% of votes.

But despite the odds, they said they would not quit.

“There will be no withdrawals. Each one of us will continue with his respective presidential campaign and will strive to deserve the election that our people decide,” they said in a joint statement.

The move came after pressure to withdraw from elections, expected to be won by Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

“If you are not a good player to win, you have to make the ultimate sacrifice and withdraw,” Domagoso, also known as Isko Moreno, said.

“The same challenge they give us we give back. Be a hero. Stand down, Leni (Robredo),” he added.

Polls suggest Marcos Jr will win the election. The candidate has carried out an extremely conservative campaign in which he has avoided any debate with the other candidates and has avoided difficult interviews that could put him in trouble. EFE

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