Second of four parts
With the overseas absentee voting set to begin on April 10, registered Filipino voters all over the world will be casting their ballots for the country’s next set of officials, including the 17th president, and determine the course of the nation’s progress in the coming years.
In this four-part series, VERA Files Fact Check compiled relevant information about six of the top candidates vying for Malacañang, and their respective vice presidential bets, to help voters make the ultimate decision.
Grouped alphabetically, each profile contains a summary of the candidates’ main platform, experience in public office or field of expertise, issues and controversies faced, relatives in government, and other interesting facts.
Likewise listed are previous fact checks of the candidate done by VERA Files Fact Check and its media and academic partners in the Tsek.ph collaboration.
(See VERA FILES FACT SHEET: Who among the 2022 hopefuls have spread misinformation)
Part 2 of this series includes three presidential bets, namely, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, and Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo.
Scroll down to know more about the candidates:
Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao
Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo
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Sources
Marcos
- Manila Bulletin Online, Bongbong Marcos – Sara Duterte proclamation rally at Philippine Arena in Bulacan, Feb. 8, 2022
- The Boy Abunda Talk Channel, The 2022 Presidential One-On-One Interviews with Boy Abunda featuring Former Senator Bongbong Marcos, Jan. 25, 2022
- The Boston Globe, “FATHER AND SON,” Nov. 27, 1978
- South China Morning Post, Big shoes to fill: Philippine dictator Marcos’ son ‘Bongbong’ considers presidential run, Aug. 26, 2015
- The Peninsula, Son of Philippine dictator Marcos to run for vice-president, Oct. 5, 2015
- Senate, Resume of Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., Retrieved on March 21, 2022
- Senate of the Philippines, Senate Bills No. 2849, 2796, 1186, and 712, Accessed on March 18, 2022
- United Press International, Marcos hits alleged election cheating, May 22, 1995
- The Washington Post, MESSY PHILIPPINE ELECTION REAFFIRMS PRESIDENT’S AGENDA, May 26, 1995
- Associated Press, Poll Violence Continues Two Weeks After National Elections, May 22, 1995
- Court of Appeals, People v. Marcos Jr. CA G.R. CR No. 18569, Oct. 31, 1997
- Rappler, BIR, PCGG confirm ongoing P23 billion estate tax collection vs Marcoses, March 16, 2022
- Inquirer.net, BIR confirms sending written demand to Marcos family on P203 billion tax liabilities, March 16, 2022
- Business World, Gov’t demanded tax payments from Marcoses, March 16, 2022
- Philippine Daily Inquirer, Marcoses lose US appeal, Oct. 29, 2012
- Human Rights Online Philippines, [PRESS RELEASE] US COURT OF APPEALS UPHOLDS $354 MILLION CONTEMPT AWARD AGAINST SENATOR MARCOS AND IMELDA MARCOS -CLAIMANTS1081, Oct. 28, 2012
- The Philippine Star, Group wants US order vs Imelda, Bongbong enforced, Jul. 2, 2015
- Janet L. Napoles, Sinumpaang Salaysay (Affidavit), May 26, 2014
- Supreme Court of the Philippines, UPDATED PRESS BRIEFER on PET CASE No. 005, Feb. 16, 2021
- VERA Files, The documents on Bongbong Marcos’ university education (Part 1- Oxford University), Nov. 1, 2021
- VERA Files Fact Check, SMNI News wrongly claims Marcos earned ‘bachelor’s degree’ from Oxford, Nov. 19, 2021
- VERA Files Fact Check, Bongbong Marcos’ spox wrongly claims Marcos ‘never misrepresented’ Oxford education, Oct. 30, 2021
- VERA Files Fact Check, Claim that PH media did not report on Marcos’ presence in SMNI debate FALSE, Feb. 23, 2022
- CNN Philippines, LIST: Petitions against Bongbong Marcos’ 2022 presidential bid, Feb. 8, 2022
- Rappler, LIST: Petitions seeking to block Bongbong Marcos’ 2022 presidential bid, Nov. 23, 2021
- Inquirer.net, Comelec’s First Division dismisses Marcos DQ cases for ‘lack of merit’, Feb. 10, 2022
- Senate of the Philippines, Biography of Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., Retrieved on March 23, 2022
- The Boy Abunda Talk Channel, The Interviews Of The Wives And Children Of The 2022 Presidential Candidates: Marcos, March 9, 2022
- Partido Federal ng Pilipinas Official Facebook Page, Posts, Accessed on March 23, 2022
Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao official Instagram account, (photo of Manny), Oct. 19, 2021
Manny Pacquiao official Facebook page, (photo of Manny), Dec. 4, 2021
Manny Pacquiao official Facebook page, (photo of Manny), March 14, 2022
Manny Pacquiao official Facebook page, (photo of Manny), March 17, 2022
Lito Atienza official website, 22-round agenda, Accessed March 28, 2022
Government Experience / Field of Expertise
- Senate of the Philippines official website, Performance of the Senate 18th Congress (2nd Regular Session), Accessed March 28, 2022
- Senate of the Philippines official website, 18th Congress – Senate Bill No. 382Senate of the Philippines official website, 18th Congress – Senate Bill No. 381
- Senate of the Philippines official website, 18th Congress – Senate Bill No. 189
- Senate of the Philippines official website, 17th Congress – Senate Bill No. 187
- Senate of the Philippines official website, 17th Congress – Senate Bill No. 186
- Senate of the Philippines official website, 17th Congress – Senate Bill No. 185
- Senate of the Philippines official website, Press Release – Sen. Emmanuel D. Pacquiao Privilege Speech | SBN 189: Death Penalty for Drug Trafficking and Manufacturing, Aug. 6, 2019
- GMA News Online, Pacquiao won’t push for death penalty for now, says judicial system needs fixing, Nov. 8, 2021
- Licas News, Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao backtracks stand on death penalty revival, Nov. 9, 2021
- Inquier.net, Pacquiao blinks on death penalty but firm on stand vs same-sex marriage, Nov. 9, 2021
- Manny Pacquiao official Facebook page, Bills authored, Feb. 24, 2019
- Official Gazette official website, RA 11163 (National Bible Day)
- Official Gazette official website, RA 11227 (OFW Handbook)
- Official Gazette official website, RA 11223 (Universal Health Care Act)
- House of Representatives official website, ROSTER of Philippine Legislators (from 1907 to 2019), Accessed March 28, 2022
- Team Pacquiao official YouTube channel, PACQUIAO says goodbye to boxing, Sept. 29, 2021
- Inquirer.net, Pacquiao gets record 12th world title in 8 weight divisions, July 16, 2018
- Premier Boxing Champions, The Great Manny Pacquiao Announces His Retirement, Sept. 29, 2021
- ESPN, Manny Pacquiao, only eight-division champion in boxing history, announces retirement, Sept. 29, 2021
- Guinness World Records, Most boxing world titles in different weight divisions, Accessed March 28, 2022
- Boxing Writers Association of America, PAST WINNERS, Accessed March 28, 2022
- Ring Magazine, Pacquiao BWAA Fighter of Year, Accessed March 28, 2022
- ESPN, Manny Pacquiao wins BWAA fighter of the year and fighter of the decade, Feb. 1, 2010
- GMA News, Pacquiao named Fighter of the Decade by WBC, Jan. 5, 2011
- Bleacher Report, Manny Pacquiao Named ‘Fighter Of The Decade’ By World Boxing Council (WBC), Jan. 5, 2011
- Philstar.com, Pacquiao WBC boxer of the decade, Jan. 5, 2011
- World Boxing Organization, WBO Best Fighter Of The Decade, June 7, 2012
- World Boxing Association, Manny Pacquiao named WBA Centennial Champion, Sept. 28, 2021
Issues and controversies
- Senate of the Philippines official website, Press Release – PRIB: Seven senators record perfect attendance, June 9, 2019
- Senate of the Philippines official website, 17th Congress – Senate Resolution No. 113
- Senate of the Philippines official website, 17th Congress – P.S. Res. No. 994
- Senate of the Philippines official website, Press Release – Pacquiao: Privilege speech | Victory over Thurman, July 23, 2019
- ABS-CBN News, Pacquiao, Ledesma top House absentees list, Jan. 13, 2015
- Manila Times, Pacquiao a contender as top absentee in House, July 9, 2014
- Inquirer.net, Pacquiao No. 1 absentee in House, June 26, 2013
- House of Representatives official website, Attendance record (second regular session of the 16th Congress), Accessed March 28, 2022
- House of Representatives official website, Attendance record of house members (third regular session of the 16th congress), Accessed March 28, 2022
- ABS-CBN News, BIR reminds Pacquiao: Pay tax due from Rios purse, Nov. 27. 2013
- GMA News, Pacquiao shows US tax document but BIR says it has no proof of payment, Nov. 27, 2013
- Philstar.com, Pacquiao petitions court to stop BIR’s freeze order, Nov. 27, 2013
- New York Times, Manny Pacquiao Apologizes for Calling Gays ‘Worse Than Animals’, Feb. 17, 2016
- CNN, Manny Pacquiao: Boxer sorry for ‘gay people are worse than animals’ remark, Feb. 16, 2015
- The Guardian, Manny Pacquiao provokes storm by calling gay people ‘worse than animals’, Feb. 16, 2016
- ESPN, Nike ends endorsement contract with Manny Pacquiao, Feb. 18, 2016
- Forbes, Nike Drops Manny Pacquiao For A Second Time After Anti-Gay Remarks, Feb. 17, 2016
- Manny Pacquiao official Facebook page, I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing…Feb. 16, 2016
- Yahoo News, Jinkee admits: Manny cheats on me, Feb. 17, 2013
- ABS-CBN News, Jinkee Pacquiao on Krista Ranillo: I hate her, Jan. 3, 2010
- PEP, Jinkee Pacquiao has forgiven Krista Ranillo; admits husband Manny Pacquiao gets jealous sometimes, May 23, 2011
- Presidential Communications Operations Office official website, Talk to the People, June 28, 2021
- Presidential Communications Operations Office official website, Interview with Apollo Quiboloy, June 8, 2021
- Presidential Communications Operations Office official website, Meeting with PDP-Laban, July 6, 2021
- Philstar.com, Cusi faction knocks out Pacquiao as PDP-Laban president, July 12, 2021
- ABS-CBN News, Pacquiao orders PDP-Laban members to ignore Cusi’s call for party assembly, May 27, 2021
- Inquirer.net, Rift between PDP-Laban factions unlikely to be mended — Cusi wing, Set, 20, 2021
- Presidential Communications Operations Office official website, On PRRD’s meeting with Sen. Pacquiao, Nov. 10, 2021
- Inquirer.net, ‘I’m not attacking the President:’ Pacquiao says on fight vs gov’t corruption, July 1, 2021
- ABS-CBN News, ‘Magsimula tayo sa DOH’: Pacquiao accepts Duterte’s challenge to name corrupt agencies, June 29, 2021
Family members in government
Jinkee Pacquiao
- Jinkee Pacquiao, (photo of Jinkee), Oct. 11, 2021
- Manny Pacquiao official Facebook page, (photo of Jinkee), Feb. 9, 2022
- Sarangani Provincial government official website, Vice Governor Jinkee bids farewell, June 23, 2016
Rogelio D. Pacquiao
- House of Representatives official website, (photo of Rogelio), Accessed March 28, 2022
- Sarangani Provincial government official website, HON. ROGELIO DAPRIDRAN PACQUIAO, Accessed March 28, 2022
- House of Representatives official website, ROSTER of Philippine Legislators (from 1907 to 2019), Accessed March 28, 2022
- House of Representatives official website, ELECTION OF MORE DEPUTY SPEAKERS ‘A MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION’—RODRIGUEZ, Dec. 9, 2020
Alberto “Bobby” D. Pacquiao
- House of Representatives official website, ROSTER of Philippine Legislators (from 1907 to 2019), Accessed March 28, 2022
- House of Representatives official website, Pacquiao, Alberto D., Accessed March 28, 2022
Lorelie G. Pacquiao
- Serbisyong Totoo: Tatak Pacquiao official Facebook page, (photo of Lorelie), Feb. 21, 2022
- Congressman Alberto “Bobby” Pacquiao official Facebook page, (photo of Bobby and Lorelie), Feb. 14, 2022
- General Santos City government official website, The 19th Sangguniang Panlungsod, Accessed March 28, 2022
Zyrex C. Pacquiao
- Zyrex C. Pacquiao official Facebook page, (photo of Zyrex Pacquaio), Dec. 16, 2021
- Rappler.com, ‘Pinakyaw’? Pacquiao siblings, in-laws, cousin, buddies eye posts, Oct. 5, 2021
- South China Morning Post, Duterte, Marcos, Estrada, Cayetano: Pacquiao can’t beat the Philippines’ political dynasties, but he can join them, Oct. 3, 2021
- GMA News, Pacquiao clan celebrates Mommy D’s 70th birthday; family members’ victory in the 2019 elections, May 16, 2019
- Commision on Elections, LIST OF ELECTED CITY/MUNICIPAL CANDIDATES PROVINCE: BASILAN REGION, Accessed March 28, 2022
Russell Jamora
- Russell Jamora official Facebook page, (photo of Russell Jamora), aug. 109, 2019
- GMA News, Pacquiao clan celebrates Mommy D’s 70th birthday; family members’ victory in the 2019 elections, May 16, 2019
- Rappler.com, ‘Pinakyaw’? Pacquiao siblings, in-laws, cousin, buddies eye posts, Oct. 5, 2021
- Philippine News Agency, Pacquiao bro files COC for Sarangani governor, Oct. 1, 2021
- Sarangani Provincial government official website, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, Accessed March 28, 2022
Interesting facts
- Senate of the Philippines official website, Table summary: 2020 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth, Dec. 31, 2020
- ABS-CBN News, Pacquiao’s next fight: Congress in 2010, Nov. 17, 2009
- Rappler.com, Former General Santos mayor tells why she didn’t stage a comeback, Nov. 17, 2021
- Foreign Policy, Manny Pacquiao returns to politics, Dec. 2, 2009
- World Boxing Association, Happy retirement, Manny Pacquiao – World Boxing Association, Sept. 29, 2021
- World Boxing Council, On this day in history, Pacquiao wins first world title, Accessed March 28, 2022
- NXT Level USA official website, Manny Pacquiao’s NXT LVL Hydrogen Water, Accessed March 28, 2022
- Alaxan official Facebook page, Alaxan FR – Ang mandirigma, hindi lang lumalaban para sa…, Accessed March 28, 2022
- Globe official website, Globe Announces Manny Pacquiao As Newest Brand Ambassador, May 18, 2021
- Guinness World Records official website, Manny Pacquiao search query, Accessed March 28, 2022
- Guinness World Records, Most boxing world titles in different weight divisions, Accessed March 28, 2022
- Manny Pacquiao official Facebook page, 8 DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION #TeamPacquiao, March 15, 2018
- Guinness World Records official website, Oldest welterweight boxing world champion, Accessed March 28, 2022
- Guinness World Records official website, Most consecutive world title fight wins at different weights, Accessed March 28, 2022
- Guinness World Records official website, Highest selling pay-per-view boxing match, Accessed March 28, 2022
- Guinness World Records official website, Highest revenue earned from ticket sales for a boxing match, Accessed March 28, 2022
- Philippine Basketball Association official website, Terrafirma Dyip – Teams, Accessed March 28, 2022
- Philippine Basketball Association official website, Pacquiao’s most memorable moment in brief PBA stint, June 30, 2021
- ABS-CBN News, Pacquiao’s ‘Sometimes When We Touch’ cracks Billboard list, June 29, 2011
- PEP, Pasok sa Billboard Adult Contemporary Top 20 ang Sometimes When We Touch duet nina Manny Pacquiao, June 29, 2011
- Business Insider, Manny Pacquiao recorded an epic cover of ‘Sometimes When We Touch’ in 2011, May 1, 2015
- Billboard Magazine official website, About Billboard Magazine, Accessed March 28, 2022
- Philstar.com, Manny Pacquiao now a “doctor”, Feb. 19, 2009
- Gulf News, Manny Pacquiao to be awarded doctorate, Feb. 17, 2009
- ABS-CBN News, Pacquiao gets honorary doctorate for humanitary efforts, Feb. 19, 2009
- Filamer Christian University official Facebook page, Learn about honorary doctorate degree conferment of Sen. Manny Pacquiao…, May 18, 2019
- Filamer Christian University official YouTube channel, FCU 2019 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES HIGHLIGHTS, Sept. 9, 2019
- Manny Pacquiao official Instagram, Let us engrave this in our hearts.. , Dec. 11, 2019
- Senate of the Philippines official website, Sen. Pacquiao’s Graduation, Dec. 12, 2019
Basic information
- Manny Pacquiao Public Information official Facebook page, Manny Pacquiao National Campaign Kickoff!, Feb. 8, 2022
- PDP Cares, Maraming salamat po Ms. Jinkee Pacquiao at sa aming Presidente, Senator Manny Pacquiao…, Feb. 23, 2022
- Manny Pacquiao Public Information official Facebook page, Salamat sa Suporta San Pablo, Laguna Mayor Amante! #MPtayo, Feb. 20, 2022
Robredo
- VP Leni Robredo Official Facebook Page, Profile Picture (1), Feb. 8, 2022
- VP Leni Robredo Official Facebook Page, Profile Picture (2), Sept. 28, 2021
- Leni Robredo Official Website, Hanapbuhay para sa Lahat ni VP Leni Robredo, Accessed March 18, 2022
- Supreme Court of the Philippines, PET Case No. 005, Feb. 16, 2021
- PressOne.PH, Fact check: Robredo says all programs brought to the local level need ‘free prior and informed consent’, Feb. 9, 2022
Government Experience
- Office of the Vice President, Biography, Accessed March 18, 2022
- Office of the Vice President, Angat Buhay, Accessed March 18, 2022
- Congress of the Philippines, Philippine Legislators, Accessed March 18, 2022
- GMA News Online, Robredo-led OVP gets COA’s ‘highest rating’ for third straight year, June 29, 2021
- CNN Philippines, OVP receives COA’s highest audit rating for third straight year, June 29, 2021
- Inquirer.net, COA gives OVP highest audit rating for third successive year, June 29, 2021
- Office of the Vice President, VP Leni’s office maintains ISO certification, Dec. 17, 2020
- Inquirer.net, BREAKING: Robredo accepts drug czar post offer, Nov. 6, 2019
- ABS-CBN News, ‘Handa ba kayo?’: Robredo accepts Duterte challenge to lead inter-agency committee vs illegal drugs, Nov. 6, 2019
- Business World Online, VP Robredo named co-chair of drug committee, Nov. 6, 2019
- Office of the Presidential Spokesperson Official Facebook Page, On PRRD terminating the services of the VP as ICAD Co-Chair, Nov. 24, 2019
- Presidential Communications Operations Office, PRRD names VP Robredo Housing Secretary, July 7, 2016
- Office of the Vice President, Statement of Vice President Leni Robredo on her Resignation as HUDCC Chair, Dec. 4, 2016
- Official Gazette of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10708, Dec. 9, 2015
- Official Gazette of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10922, July 22, 2016
- Official Gazette of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10655, July 9, 2015
- Official Gazette of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10638, June 16, 2014
- Official Gazette of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10742, Jan. 15, 2016
- Official Gazette of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10643, July 15, 2014
- Official Gazette of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10756, April 8, 2016
- Freedom of Information, Your Request…, Nov. 10, 2021
- Leni Robredo Official Twitter Account, yes. i was a PAO lawyer…, June 30, 2013
Family members in government
- ABS-CBN News, Leni Robredo’s father passes away, Oct. 11, 2013
- Inquirer.net, Leni Robredo’s father passes away, Oct. 10, 2013
- Naga City Official Website, Hon. Jesse M. Robredo, Accessed March 25, 2022
- LinkedIn, Aika Robredo’s Profile, Accessed March 25, 2022
Interesting Facts
- Inquirer.net, Leni Robredo proclaimed winner in Camarines Sur, May 16, 2013
- Bicol Mail via Naga City Official Website, Leni Robredo triumphs over political dynasty, Accessed March 25, 2022
- Rappler, Leni Robredo proclaimed as Camsur congresswoman, May 15, 2013
- Supreme Court of the Philippines, Law List (Robredo, Ma. Leonor G), May 7, 1997
- PEP TALK Official Youtube Channel, Leni Robredo on PEP TALK. How her boss became her husband, April 14, 2016
- Leni Gerona Robredo Official Facebook Page, Doctor na si Tricia…, Nov. 26, 2020
- Inquirer Lifestyle, LOOK: Robredo’s youngest daughter Jillian to study in NYU under scholarship, Aug. 23, 2018
- GMA News Online, How Leni Robredo sent kids to Harvard, NYU, Ateneo, March 5, 2021
- Philstar, Robredo’s daughter to study in New York University with full scholarship, Aug. 23, 2016
Basic Information
- VP Leni Robredo Official Facebook Page, This afternoon…, April 15, 2015
- VP Leni Robredo Official Facebook Page, At the 70th Commencement Exercises…, April 19, 2017
- VP Leni Robredo Official Facebook Page, It was an honor to be given an Honorary Doctorate…, Aug. 31, 2017
Endorsements
- 1SAMBAYAN Official Facebook Page, Leni is 1SAMBAYAN’s Pambato, Oct. 1, 2021
- ABS-CBN News, Ramos admin officials express support for Robredo’s presidential candidacy, Jan. 13, 2022
- Business World Online, Cabinet members under Ramos back Robredo’s presidential bid, Jan. 13, 2022
- Inquirer.net, 23 ex-FVR officials endorse Leni’s bid, Jan. 14, 2022
- Inquirer.net, Robredo gets endorsement of 47 former Arroyo officials, Feb. 23, 2022
- Manila Bulletin, ‘She is rock-steady’: 47 former Arroyo execs back Robredo’s bid, Feb. 23, 2022
- CNN Philippines, Ex-Arroyo officials, more groups support Robredo presidency, Feb. 23, 2022
- Reportr, Noynoy Aquino’s Cabinet Members Back Robredo for President, Feb. 1, 2022
- Business World Online, Ex-Aquino officials endorse Robredo for president , Feb. 1, 2022
- Rappler, In rare move, ex-military chiefs, career diplomats back Robredo, Feb. 1, 2022
- ABS-CBN News, Halalan 2022: Hundreds of Catholic leaders endorse Leni, Kiko, Feb. 15, 2022
(Guided by the code of principles of the International Fact-Checking Network at Poynter, VERA Files tracks the false claims, flip-flops, misleading statements of public officials and figures, and debunks them with factual evidence. Find out more about this initiative and our methodology.)