May 10, 2016
MANILA, Philippines (AP) Boxing great Manny
Pacquiao appears to have won a seat in the Philippine Senate, according
to unofficial results.
Pacquiao has garnered more than 15 million
votes, with about 93 percent of precincts reporting Tuesday. That places
him eighth among candidates for 12 Senate seats, and nearly 3 million
votes ahead of the candidate in 13th place. Official results are days
away.
He cast his vote Monday in his home turf of
southern Sarangani province. He had bounced back in polls after losing
support in February over remarks he made about same-sex marriage.
Pacquiao had said people in same-sex
relations are ''worse than animals.'' He apologized to people hurt by
his comments but made clear he opposed gay marriage.
He is the Philippines' most famous athlete
and among the wealthiest sports celebrities in the world. He has
represented Sarangani province in the House of Representatives since May
2010.
Pacquiao ran under the losing ticket of
presidential candidate Jejomar Binay but has also been endorsed by Mayor
Rodrigo Duterte, the winner of the presidential race according to
unofficial results.
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