Pacquiao jumps into race to succeed Philippine president

Retired Filipino boxing hero and senator Manny Pacquiao (centre) talks to the police beside wife Jinkee (left), before filing his certificate of candidacy for next year's presidential elections at the Commission on Elections on Oct1, 2021 in Manila. - AP

MANILA (Bloomberg): The race to succeed Rodrigo Duterte as Philippine president began officially on Friday (Oct 1), as contenders started filing to become candidates for next year’s election.

Senator Manny Pacquiao, who recently retired as a professional boxer, was among the first to formalise his presidential bid. The contest for the top post is turning out to be a colourful affair, with a heartthrob actor-turned-mayor, a former police chief and Duterte’s own daughter also emerging as potential contenders.