Manny Pacquiao, a former boxing legend and boxing star who is now retired, was the first one to register his candidacy for the presidency of the Philippines.

The normally festive weeklong registrations with huge crowds are now more serious this year due to restrictions being put in place for fighting the deadly Covid-19 disease.

Pacquiao, his wife and running partner, Lito Atienza, was present to submit his candidacy certificate to the polling body. After that, he spoke to the media briefly about what his plans were should he be elected.

Pacquiao was dressed in a maroon shirt with a face mask and white shirt with the Philippine flag image.

Pacquiao received dozens upon he arrived at the registration office.

Pacquiao stated that he wasn’t bothered by the outcome of an opinion pollShowing him fourth among the preferred presidential candidates, saying “The voices and needs of the poor are not being heard”.

Pacquiao was one of the best boxers and holds the world title in all eight divisions. He retired from boxing to run for president in September. He is currently a senator, and he has been a congressman for two terms.

This registration should end months of speculation about who will succeed President Rodrigo Duterte (76), who cannot be reelected under the Constitution. will contest the vice presidency race instead.

Other than Pacquiao two other potential candidates have indicated their intent to run as president. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” DomagosoThe certificates of Senator Panfilo Lacson (ex-police chief) and, who was a former actor were due to be filed in the next few days.

However, Sara Duterte Carpio (the president’s daughter) will get the most attention, even though she has decided not to run for office next year.

Duterte Carpio, 43 years old, was her father’s Davao City Mayor when he became President. She remains the most popular presidential prospect according to several opinion polls.

Analysts believe it’s crucial that her father’s son is loyalist to protect him against potential legal action by home and the International Criminal Court over his thousands of drug-related deaths since 2016.

Critics claim that Duterte’s interest in running for the vice presidency may also be motivated by self-preservation. Duterte insists that his motivation is for public service, and not power.

Supporters are also urging Leni Robredo, the vice president of the opposition to run for the highest office.

She stated, “Please pray with me over the next days so that my decision is what’s best for our nation.”

Mai 2022 will see more than 60,000,000 Filipinos vote to elect a president or vice president. There will also be more than 18,000 legislators and officials from the local government.

The deadline for candidates to register is Oct. 8. However, withdrawals or substitutions can be made until Nov. 15. This allows for flexibility for any last-minute change of heart. Duterte won the 2016 election by an impressive margin.