Senator Manny Pacquiao has been named president of PDP-Laban, President Rodrigo Duterte's party, as the boxing champion secured a more influential role ahead of the 2022 national elections.
Pacquiao, who is turning 42 on Dec. 14, has repeatedly dodged questions on whether or not he would seek the presidency or the vice presidency. His term as senator ends in 2022 and is eligible for reelection.
The executive director of PDP-Laban and chair of the party's public information office, Ron Munsayac, posted on Twitter a photo of Pacquiao being sworn in as president.
Also during the event, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco was named PDP-Laban Executive Vice President.
Before he was elected to the Senate, Pacquiao served as Saranggani's representative in the house for two consecutive three-year terms, ending in 2016.
The minimum age requirement to run for president or vice president is 40, according to the 1987 Constitution.
