Manny Pacquiao will become Senator in the Philippines

Boxer Manny Pacquiao, already a two-term congressman in the Philippines, appears to have won a seat in the Philippine Senate, although the results of the election won't become official for about a week

The former boxing world champion has garnered more than 15m votes, with a little more than 94 percent of the vote counted on Tuesday. That places him seventh among candidates for 12 Senate seats, and nearly 3m votes ahead of the candidate in 13th place.

Pacquiao cast his vote on 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.

He apologised to people hurt by his comments but made clear he opposed gay marriage. The Christian boxer uses every opportunity to speak about his faith in God.

He is the Philippines’ most famous athlete and among the wealthiest athletes in the world. He has represented his home province of Sarangani in the House of Representatives since 2010.

JIHADIST TARGET

Two weeks prior to the elections, President of the Philippines, Beningno Aquino, confirmed that his government had thwarted a plot to kidnap and kill Pacquiao.

Pacquiao was not the only target, the jihadist group Abu Sayyaf had also planned to attack the capital city, Manila.

The 37-year-old boxer asked for protection for his family, but affirmed: “I live my life like every day is the last.” “I have no fear. God is with me”, he added.