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, a.k.a. "PacMan", is a Filipino icon renowned as one of boxing's all-time greats. He holds the distinction of being the only eight-division world champion in boxing history. Beyond his boxing achievements, Pacquiao transitioned into politics, serving as a senator of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022.

Sections (7)

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

June 21, 2006: Released "Pacquiao: The Movie"

On June 21, 2006, "Pacquiao: The Movie", a film based on Manny Pacquiao's life starring Jericho Rosales, was released. It was directed by Joel Lamangan but flopped at the box office.

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2008: Starred in "Anak ng Kumander"

In 2008, Manny Pacquiao starred with Ara Mina and Valerie Concepcion in "Anak ng Kumander" (Child of a Commander). The movie was not commercially successful and received negative reviews.

2008: Tax issue arises.

In 2008, the tax issues started which led to the BIR freezing Pacquiao's bank accounts in 2013. The tax issue was about earnings in the United States.

December 25, 2009: Released "Wapakman" as film festival entry

On December 25, 2009, Manny Pacquiao's superhero/comedy film, "Wapakman", was released as an entry to the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film was not commercially successful.

2009: Tax issue arises.

In 2009, the tax issues continued which led to the BIR freezing Pacquiao's bank accounts in 2013. The tax issue was about earnings in the United States.

November 26, 2013: BIR Freezes Pacquiao's Bank Accounts

On November 26, 2013, the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) froze Manny Pacquiao's Philippine bank accounts due to alleged failure to pay ₱2.2 billion in taxes from his earnings in the United States from 2008 to 2009.

February 2016: Controversial Statement on Same-Sex Marriage and Fallout

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

April 2017: Pacquiao Attempts to Settle Tax Case

In April 2017, Pacquiao, who was then a senator, approached Philippine authorities to settle his tax case with the BIR. The BIR maintained that taxes were due even if taxes were paid to the IRS.

June 2019: Worst attendance record among senators

In June 2019, data released by the Philippine Senate showed that Manny Pacquiao had the worst attendance record among all senators in the 17th Congress. Despite this poor attendance, he managed to enact four laws from the bills he filed.

2021: Paradigm Sports Management Lawsuit

In 2021, Paradigm Sports Management filed a lawsuit against Manny Pacquiao. The lawsuit alleged he breached their exclusive management contract by having multiple management companies negotiating boxing matches simultaneously.

March 2022: Struggled in presidential surveys

Since the campaign period started in February, Manny Pacquiao had struggled in the presidential surveys with low ratings ranking fourth to fifth among the candidates, dropping to as low as 1.8 percent on the March 2022 poll by Publicus Asia and 8 percent on Pulse Asia with his disapproval rating going up.

2022: Pacquiao Loses Presidential Election

In 2022, Manny Pacquiao lost the presidential election to Bongbong Marcos.

May 2023: Paradigm Sports Management Wins Lawsuit

In early May 2023, the Orange County Superior Court ruled in favor of Paradigm Sports Management in their lawsuit against Manny Pacquiao. The court ordered Pacquiao to pay $5.1 million plus attorney fees.

August 2024: Verdict Overturned in Paradigm Sports Lawsuit

In August 2024, the verdict against Manny Pacquiao in the Paradigm Sports Management lawsuit was overturned. The court found that Audie Attar did not hold a management license when signing the contract.

2024: Pacquiao Disallowed from Competing in Olympics

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