MANILA, Philippines – Boxing legend and former Senator Manny Pacquiao sparked a humorous online moment after making a quick, self-aware quip about his expensive, diamond-encrusted watch, directly addressing the massive corruption scandal currently rocking Philippine politics.
The incident was captured in a viral video posted by a netizen, Roy Bacalso, showing Pacquiao seated next to his wife, Jinkee Pacquiao. As the individual behind the camera zoomed in for a close-up of the dazzling timepiece, the retired boxer interjected with a pointed denial:
“Hindi ‘yan flood control, ah!” (That’s not from flood control, ah!)
Jinkee was seen affectionately patting her husband, as the person filming chuckled and affirmed the watch’s legitimate source: “Dugo’t pawis ang puhunan!” (Blood and sweat were the capital!)
A Rags-to-Riches Affirmation
The video quickly resonated with Filipinos online. Comments overwhelmingly echoed the affirmation, highlighting Pacquiao’s renowned rags-to-riches story.
Unlike many of his political contemporaries whose wealth is now under intense scrutiny, Pacquiao earned his massive fortune through a record-breaking career that saw him emerge from poverty in Mindanao to become an eight-division world champion and arguably one of the greatest boxers of all time. This globally-witnessed legacy gives him a unique platform to distance his wealth from the taint of corruption.
The Flood Control Corruption Mess
Pacquiao’s comment is a direct reference to the major political scandal that has engulfed the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives. Several legislators are facing scrutiny for their alleged involvement in anomalies related to multi-billion-peso flood control projects.
Senators previously tagged in connection with the ongoing investigations include Chiz Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy Estrada. The corruption allegations center on claims of massive kickbacks and the implementation of substandard or non-existent projects, which critics argue have exacerbated the country’s flooding problems.
🥊 Back to the Ring and Reality TV
Despite the political turmoil, Pacquiao is returning to his primary domain: the boxing ring.
Boxing Comeback: Pacquiao has confirmed he will end his four-year retirement for a bout scheduled for January 2026 in Las Vegas. This follows his brief return in July against Mario Barrios, which ended in a 12-round draw.
Next Opponent: While no official opponent has been named, the current favorite is Rolly Romero, the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion.
Reality TV Debut: In the interim, fans will see Pacquiao leading Team Philippines in the upcoming season of the popular Netflix reality fitness show, “Physical: Asia.”