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 Filipino politician, businessman, and former professional boxer nicknamed "PacMan," is considered one of boxing's all-time greats. His boxing career is legendary, and he transitioned into Philippine politics, serving as a senator from 2016 to 2022. He represents a unique blend of athletic achievement and political engagement in the Philippines.

Sections (7)

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

June 21, 2006: Release of "Pacquiao: The Movie"

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

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February 12, 2007: Announcement of Congressional Candidacy

On February 12, 2007, Manny Pacquiao announced his campaign for a seat in the Philippine House of Representatives for the 1st District of South Cotabato, running under the Liberal Party, later switching to KAMPI. He aimed to bridge the gap between local interests and the national government but was ultimately defeated by Darlene Antonino-Custodio.

2008: Tax Earning Period in US

In 2008, Manny Pacquiao earned income in the United States from his fights, which later became subject of tax disputes with the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue.

2008: Starring in "Anak ng Kumander"

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

December 25, 2009: Release of "Wapakman"

On December 25, 2009, the superhero/comedy film "Wapakman," starring Manny Pacquiao, was released as an entry to the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival. Like his previous films, it was not commercially successful.

2009: Tax Earning Period in US

In 2009, Manny Pacquiao earned income in the United States from his fights, which later became subject of tax disputes with the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue.

2012: End of Reign as Best Active Boxer

In 2012, Manny Pacquiao's reign as the best active boxer in the world, pound for pound, ended after losses.

November 26, 2013: Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue Freezes Pacquiao's 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 for earnings from his fights in the United States from 2008 to 2009.

February 2016: Controversial Statement on Same-Sex Marriage

In February 2016, Manny Pacquiao made a controversial statement on same-sex marriage, which led to criticism and the termination of his partnership with Nike. The Grove at Farmers Market in Los Angeles also banned him.

2016: Decided Not to Compete in Summer Olympics

In 2016, Manny Pacquiao decided not to compete in the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, even though professional boxers were allowed to compete for the first time.

2016: End of Reign on The Ring's Pound for Pound List

In 2016, Manny Pacquiao's reign as a top-ten active boxer on The Ring's pound for pound list came to an end.

April 2017: Pacquiao Attempts to Settle Tax Case

In April 2017, Pacquiao, then a senator, approached Philippine authorities in an attempt to settle his tax case with the BIR, which maintained that taxes were due even if they had been paid to the IRS in the US.

June 2019: Worst Attendance Record in Senate

In June 2019, Manny Pacquiao was shown to have the worst attendance record among senators in the 17th Congress, although he still managed to enact four laws.

2021: Paradigm Sports Management Lawsuit

In 2021, Paradigm Sports Management filed a lawsuit against Manny Pacquiao, alleging breach of contract due to having multiple management companies negotiate for boxing matches simultaneously.

March 2022: Challenge to Bongbong Marcos and Election Results

In March 2022, Manny Pacquiao challenged Bongbong Marcos to a debate regarding unsettled estate tax dues. He later placed third in the election and conceded to Marcos.

March 2022: Low Ratings in Presidential Surveys

In March 2022, during the campaign period, Manny Pacquiao struggled in presidential surveys, receiving low ratings and ranking fourth to fifth among the candidates.

2022: Lost Presidential Election

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

May 2023: Court Ruling in Favor of Paradigm Sports Management

In early May 2023, Orange County Superior Court ruled in favor of Paradigm Sports Management, ordering Pacquiao to pay $5.1 million plus attorney fees.

2024: Disallowed to Participate in Summer Olympics

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