Source: PNoy, Pacquiao talk about politics, taxes

MANILA, Philippines – Politics and taxes were among the topics of discussion between President Benigno Aquino and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao during the latter’s courtesy call at the Malacanang Palace on Monday afternoon.

A Palace source, who spoke to philstar.com on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to divulge the details of the meeting, said President Aquino asked Pacquiao about his future political plans.

“The President hailed Manny as an inspiration to Filipinos, congratulating him for winning [against Timothy Bradley]. He also asked him about his political plans in 2016, his ongoing projects in Sarangani and his tax issues with the BIR,” the source told philstar.com.

Pacquiao, who outpointed Bradley last April 13 in Las Vegas to reclaim the WBO welterweight title,  has hinted running for senator in the 2016 national elections. Currently representing Sarangani province in the House of Representatives, Pacquiao is reportedly in the senatorial slate of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Though still unsure of his political plans, Pacquiao had indicated his desire to continue his boxing career after winning against Bradley.

According to the source, the President, who met Pacquiao at the Music Hall of Malacañang at around 1pm Monday, also jokingly asked Pacquiao for balato or a share of his purse from the Bradley fight.

President Aquino, the source added, likewise inquired about Pacquiao’s current issue with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, with whom the boxer reportedly owes millions in unpaid taxes. Days before the Bradley fight, reports said BIR commissioner Kim Henares reminded Pacquiao that win or lose, the boxer has to pay to BIR 32 percent of his earnings from the latest bout.

Pacquiao pocketed at least $20 million from the Bradley bout.

The source said the President vowed continued support for Pacquiao and his constituents in Sarangani, despite the fact that the boxing champ belongs to another party.

President Aquino belongs to the ruling Liberal Party, while Pacquiao is from the rival Nacionalista Party.