Pacquiao undecided on which party to join in 2016

MANILA, Philippines — Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao on Wednesday admitted that he is still undecided which political party to join in the 2016 national elections.

The boxing icon and lawmaker earlier confirmed that he is running for senator next year.

"Naghihingi pa ako ng guidance sa Panginoon kung sino 'yung sasamahan ko, kung sino 'yung kasama ko sa pagtulong sa mga mahihirap na tao," Pacquiao said in an interview with ANC's Headstart.

Pacquiao said that he will announce his political party when he files his certificate of candidacy next week.

According to reports, the Liberal Party has reserved a slot for Pacquiao in its senatorial slate.

However, Pacquiao was also present when Vice President Jejomar Binay launched the United Nationalist Alliance as the major opposition party in the 2016 polls in July.

"Marami namang kumakausap sa akin. Syempre, siguro makakatulong ako sa kanila at makakatulong sila sa akin. 'Yun ang paniniwala nila kaya kinakausap nila ako," Pacquiao.

Pacquiao vowed that he will no longer be absent in sessions if ever he wins a seat in the Senate.

"Ang inisip ko, kapag pumasok ako kailangan seryoso, walang absent, palaging papasok, dahil buong bansa ang responsibilidad mo," the lawmaker said.

Pacquiao ranked ninth with 30 percent in the latest Social Weather Stations senatorial preference survey. He also scored 39.6 percent in the latest Pulse Asia senatorial survey.