Second time could be the charm for Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao as he takes an early lead in the Sarangani congressional race over political rival Roy Chiongbian.
If he wins, he will become the first active boxer in the world to make it to the legislature.
AsianCorrespondent.com’s Edwin Espejo, who is based in Mindanao, said early results from a number of precincts in Sarangani province showed Pacquiao taking an early lead over Chiongbian in the province’s congressional race.
This was confirmed by Pacquiao and his promoter, Top Rank chief Bob Arum, to ABS-CBN reporter Jay Dayupay.
"Sa tingin ko landslide na ito," the boxer told ABS-CBN.
Arum said Pacquiao's victory "would create a big impact on Manny's career to the whole world."
Pacquiao's monitoring team said the "Pambansang Kamao" won by landslide over Chiongbian, a descendant of the political clan that established the province. The official results, however, will not be available until Tuesday when the Sarangani Provincial Canvassing Board resumes its tally.
This is the second time Pacquiao tried his hand at politics after losing to incumbent South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio in 2007.
Chiongbian’s camp, however, is not yet conceding defeat as the results were still partial.
Pacquiao arrived at the Kiamba Central Elementary School at around 7:45 a.m. Monday to cast his vote. In an interview, the boxing champ said he worked hard in his political campaign after defeating Ghanaian Joshua Clottey in the ring last March.
“I didn't sleep yet but it's okay. It's judgement day,” said a beaming Pacquiao.
“I'm very confident to win the election. I always thank God for everything he gave to me. Sa lahat ng mga fans ko, thank you very much for your support,” he added.
Pacquiao's wife, Jinkee, said she is giving her all out support for her husband. "As a wife, I'm 100% behind him," she said.
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