Manny Pacquiao Could Still Be Senator Despite LGBT Backlash
Manny Pacquiao has lost some fans and a major Nike endorsement after comparing gay people to animals, but the Filipino boxer is not expected to lose the opportunity to become a senator. In May, 37-year-old Pacquiao is hoping to be elected for one of 12 seats in the Philippines Senate.
Benito Lim, a political science professor at the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University, told Reuters that homosexual voters were the minority in the Philippines, which gives Pacquiao a good opportunity to still win the elections.
"Pacquiao has clearly offended the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community with his comments on same-sex marriage, but this group represents a minority and this will not affect the boxer's popularity among the voters," Lim said. "He may still win in the elections."
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Gay marriage is not legal in the Philippines, where the population is 82.9 percent Catholic, according to the CIA World Factbook.
Last week, worldwide media pounched on Pacquiao after his controversial statement about homosexuality in a local "Bilang Pilipino" interview. Pacquiao had said, "It's common sense. Will you see any animals where male is to male and female is to female?
"The animals are better. They know how to distinguish male from female. If we approve [of] male on male, female on female, then man is worse than animals."
He quickly clarified on social media, however, that he did not mean to offend LGBT people but that was his sincerely held belief according to the Bible and he will not be retracting his views on homosexuality.
Filipino government employee Annabelle Magsipoc said the comments should not affect Pacqiuao's political plans.
"The criticism against Pacquiao has no effect on us," said Magsipoc in a Reuters Television report, according to Economic Times. "Actually, many people really wanted to say what Pacquiao said about same-sex marriage, but some people are trying to make this an election issue."
The Times reported that Pacquiao, who is currently serving as a congressman for his Sarangani province in the Philippines, has consistently ranked eighth among other senatorial candiates vying for the 12 available seats.
Still one of those candidates, Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian, did not agree with Pacquiao's statement, which he later apologized for.
"I am a practicing Christian and may not approve of same-sex or LGBT marriage, but I will not stand in opposition to genuine initiatives moving for LGBT union in the country," Gatchalian said, according to a Phil Star report.
Last year Pacquiao spoke to The Christian Post about why he is so passionate about engaging in politics in his country.
"I want to provide opportunities for my fellow countrymen that will improve their situations. As a politician, I want to help create jobs so that I can bring them out of their poverty," Pacquiao revealed to CP. "I want to give them hope. Boxing has been my passion, but public service is my calling."
