Challenges in the Life of Manny Pacquiao in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Manny Pacquiao's life and career.

Manny Pacquiao, nicknamed "PacMan," is a Filipino boxing legend and former politician. He is celebrated as one of the greatest boxers ever, uniquely holding world titles across eight different weight divisions. Beyond his boxing achievements, Pacquiao served as a Senator in the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, marking a significant transition into public service after his illustrious sports career.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

February 12, 2007: Pacquiao announces campaign for Philippine House seat

On February 12, 2007, Manny Pacquiao announced his candidacy for a seat in the Philippine House of Representatives for the 1st District of South Cotabato. He initially ran under the Liberal Party but was later forced to run under KAMPI and was ultimately defeated by Darlene Antonino-Custodio.

2008: US Fight Earnings Tax Dispute Begins

In 2008, Manny Pacquiao's earnings from fights in the United States became subject to a tax dispute with the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). This dispute would later escalate in 2013 when the BIR froze Pacquiao's bank accounts.

2009: US Fight Earnings Tax Dispute Continues

In 2009, Manny Pacquiao's earnings from fights in the United States became subject to a tax dispute with the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). This dispute would later escalate in 2013 when the BIR froze Pacquiao's bank accounts.

2012: Losses in 2012

Until his losses in 2012, Manny Pacquiao was consistently rated as the best active boxer in the world, pound for pound, by various sports news and boxing websites.

November 26, 2013: Bank Accounts Freeze by BIR

On November 26, 2013, the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued a freeze order on all of Manny Pacquiao's Philippine bank accounts, alleging a failure to pay ₱2.2 billion in taxes for earnings from his fights in the United States from 2008 to 2009.

February 18, 2015: Pacquiao scores one point in basketball game

On February 18, 2015, Manny Pacquiao briefly played basketball, scoring one point for the Sorento team in a game against Purefoods. Daniel Orton, Purefoods' import, made disparaging comments about Pacquiao playing professional basketball, which led to Orton being fined and replaced.

February 2016: Controversial Same-Sex Marriage Comments and Fallout

In February 2016, Manny Pacquiao made controversial comments about same-sex marriage, comparing those in such unions to animals. This led to criticism from LGBT celebrities, an apology from Pacquiao, and the termination of his partnership with Nike. He was also banned from The Grove at Farmers Market in Los Angeles.

2016: Declined 2016 Summer Olympics

In 2016, Manny Pacquiao had the opportunity to compete in the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, but he decided not to participate.

April 2017: Attempt to Settle Tax Case

In April 2017, Manny Pacquiao, then a senator, approached Philippine authorities seeking to settle his tax case with the BIR, which maintained that taxes were due even if taxes had already been paid to the IRS in the United States.

June 2019: Pacquiao's poor attendance record in Senate revealed

In June 2019, data released by the Philippine Senate showed that Manny Pacquiao had the worst attendance record among senators in the 17th Congress, though he still managed to enact four laws.

2021: Paradigm Sports Management Lawsuit

In 2021, Paradigm Sports Management, who Pacquiao had signed with the year prior, filed a lawsuit against Manny Pacquiao, alleging he breached their exclusive management deal by negotiating for boxing matches with two management companies simultaneously.

March 2022: Pacquiao struggles in presidential surveys

By March 2022, Manny Pacquiao was struggling in the presidential surveys, with low ratings ranging from fourth to fifth place among candidates and disapproval ratings going up.

2022: Lost Presidential Election

In 2022, Manny Pacquiao lost the Philippine presidential election to Bongbong Marcos, ending his presidential bid.

May 2023: Lawsuit Ruling Against Pacquiao

In early May 2023, the Orange County Superior Court ruled in favor of Paradigm Sports Management in their lawsuit against Manny Pacquiao, ordering him to pay $5.1 million plus at least $2 million in attorney fees, both with 10 percent annual interest.

2024: Disallowed to Participate

In 2024, Manny Pacquiao signified his interest to qualify for the Summer Olympics in France, but was disallowed to participate after the IOC upheld the 40-year-old age limit.

2025: Unsuccessful Senate Campaign and Retirement Announcement

Following an unsuccessful campaign in the 2025 Senate election, Manny Pacquiao announced his intention to retire from politics and came out of retirement from boxing.

2025: Pacquiao Loses Senate Bid

In 2025, Manny Pacquiao lost his bid for the Senate, placing 18th with 10,397,133 votes. Subsequently, he considered leaving politics to return to boxing.