MAKATI CITY – Philippine boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao yesterday said he will support the candidacy of Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia in the 2010 elections.

Pacquiao said Leonardia is his lucky charm and has been supportive of him in all his fights and it is now his turn to help him by being his lucky charm in politics.

In his upcoming bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on March 13, Leonardia will still be his belt holder as always, he added.

Pacquiao, who was in Makati City yesterday taping a movie with his leading lady Krista Ranillo, said he will endorse Leonardia as long as the mayor also endorse his partylist the Pilipinong Bayaning Atleta.

Leonardia said that he is also very thankful to Pacquiao for supporting his slate for the 2010 elections. He said Pacquiao is his long time friend and that he also expressed his great appreciation for the support given to him by the ring icon. 

Pacquiao told Leonardia that he is donating financial help for the Nov. 2 fire victims of Brgy. 19.

He said that he could not come to Bacolod to be with the victims in Brgy. 19 this month because of his very hectic schedule and also because he will be celebrating his birthday on Dec. 17.

He recalled that he has extended help to the City of Bacolod through Leonardia, referring to the victims of Typhoon Frank.

He also expressed his sympathy to the affected families of the tragic fire incident that claimed 17 lives.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao urge the public to support the partylist he established which will cater to the needs of Filipino athletes and will help produce another Manny Pacquiao who will also bring honor to the country.

Pacquiao said he is the chairman of the partylist PBA, formerly known as Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta, which was established in the last election to make sure that Filipino athletes get enough support in their quest in bringing more glory to the country.

On the other hand, Pacquiao said he is in favor of the decision of the President to declare martial law in Maguindanao province for the speedy investigation and justice for the 57 civilians killed in the massacre.

He said the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao will help stop killings in area, which most of the time are not being reported. It will also ensure the safety of the people, as well as, restore the normal situation in Maguindanao province, he added.

Pacquiao expressed his sympathy to the family of the victims who were killed in massacre, which include 13 of his media friends in Maguindanao.

“They were innocent. Let us pray for them and we should keep on praying to avoid this kind of criminalities in our society,” he said.*CGS

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