Michael Pacquiao, Son of Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao, Enters Political Arena
MICHAEL PACQUIAO – The second son of ‘Pambansang Kamao’ Manny Pacquiao, Michael Pacquiao is running for councilor in General Santos City.
Michael Stephen Pacquiao, the 22-year-old son of boxing icon and former Senator Manny Pacquiao, is stepping into politics. He has been selected as a candidate for one of the 12 city council seats in General Santos under the People’s Champ Movement (PCM), the political party founded by his father.
Based on a report from Inquirer, Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, who is seeking reelection, confirmed that her nephew Michael will join their slate. Michael is set to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) alongside the PCM team on October 5.
A graduate of Brent International School in 2020, Michael has since pursued a career in music. He will take the place of former Councilor Shandee Llido on the slate, as Llido returns to her role as city administrator. Mayor Lorelie, who is married to Manny Pacquiao’s younger brother Alberto, said this change resolves an issue with the original lineup, which featured two candidates with the same last name, Llido. Now, only incumbent Councilor Virginia Llido will represent that name on the ticket, helping avoid confusion among voters.
Former Councilor Franklin Gacal Jr., who is also running for a city council seat, welcomed Michael’s entry into politics, emphasizing that he would bring a “youthful perspective” to the council. Gacal, who previously served as city administrator, is hoping to make a return to the council.
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According to the report, PCM has recently aligned with the ruling Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), and their combined slate includes outgoing Councilor Jose Orlando Acharon, who will be running for vice mayor alongside Lorelie Pacquiao. At the same time, Manny Pacquiao himself is eyeing a return to the Senate in the May 2025 national and local midterm elections, under a multiparty alliance led by the PFP, chaired by President Marcos.