MANILA, Oct. 4 Reuters : On Monday, the mayor of Manila City registered to run for President of the Philippines, touting himself as a humble candidate of unity beginnings who can heal an economy and livelihoods damaged by the pandemic.
Manny Pacquiao, 46, a former actor, is the second contender to sign up for the May 2022 election to lead the Philippines for the next six years after newly retired boxer Domagoso. We are too divisive and indecisive that has caused the stunting of our economy on top of pandemic, said Domagoso, who was known more for his celebrity screen name "Isko Moreno" after filing his candidacy.
Let us heal our country and together we will have a better future for each and every one of us. Domagoso's charisma and humble roots have made him popular in southern provinces, but experts say he could struggle to win voters in Manila.
He earlier led a flag-raising ceremony at the city hall of Manila and offered a prayer at a church in a community where he grew up as a garbage collector in the City slums. Dozens welcomed the mayor near the filing station.
Domagoso was spotted by a talent scout while attending a funeral and became a matinee idol in a mainstream variety show before shifting to more popular roles in more mainstream movies.
After nine years in office, he ran unsuccessfully for senator in 2016.
His running mate for the vice presidency - a separate contest - will be Willie Ong, a doctor followed on Facebook by 16 million users who tap his free medical advice.
At the weekend, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would retire and not contest the vice presidency as earlier agreed, but his daughter Sara would run for president.