Ariz Aruge, a professor of political science at the University of the Philippines, said he was not surprised by Mr Pacquiao’s announcement, but that the boxer may have been in over his head. While Mr. Pacquiao is internationally recognized, “he is not ready” to be president, Mr. Aruge said, adding that Mr. Pacquiao had not passed any major legislation.
“His performance in the Senate was tremendous,” he said. “However, this has not stopped people and politicians from winning public office in the past.”
Mr Pacquio has also been a vocal supporter of Mr Duterte’s bloody anti-drug campaign.
Before filing the final candidature in October, the Election Commission will have to resolve the issue of different factions of the PDP-Laban. If Mr Duterte’s faction emerges with a clear mandate, Mr Pacquiao will likely step aside or run as an independent, eliminating the possibility of Mr Duterte regaining his public office, Mr Aruge. he said.
Melvin Matibagh, general secretary of the PDP-Laban and leader of the party’s pro-Duterte wing, said Mr Pacquiao was acting against the party’s wishes by announcing his candidacy.
Sunday’s meeting, during which Mr. Pacquiao announced his candidacy, “was not approved nor called by the party’s president, President Duterte,” Matibagh said on national radio on Monday.