Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Manny Pacquiao

Public opinion and media debates around Manny Pacquiao—discover key moments of controversy.

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

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.

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.

2010: Praised for human trafficking speech, criticized for reproductive health bill discussion

In 2010, Manny Pacquiao received praise for a speech on human trafficking. However, he also faced criticism for appearing uninformed during a discussion on the reproductive health bill that year.

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.

September 18, 2016: Facilitated ouster of Leila de Lima from Senate committee

On September 18, 2016, Manny Pacquiao, aligned with the Duterte government, facilitated the ouster of Leila de Lima from the chairmanship of the Senate Justice committee.

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.

2017: Defended Paolo Duterte in drug shipment allegations

In 2017, Manny Pacquiao defended then-Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte from allegations of involvement in a seized ₱6.4-billion drug shipment from Xiamen, China.

December 11, 2019: Graduation from the University of Makati

On December 11, 2019, Manny Pacquiao graduated from the University of Makati with a bachelor's degree in political science, majoring in local government administration.

December 2020: Became acting party president of PDP–Laban

In December 2020, Manny Pacquiao became the acting party president of PDP–Laban after Koko Pimentel resigned. However, the position was later disputed between Pacquiao and Alfonso Cusi.

May 2021: Filed bill proposing Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission

In May 2021, Senator Pacquiao filed a bill proposing to create the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission. Senator Pia Cayetano criticized the timing of the proposal during the coronavirus pandemic.

June 2021: Criticized Duterte's response to China's claims in South China Sea

In June 2021, Manny Pacquiao criticized President Duterte's response to China's claims in the South China Sea, leading to a rebuke from Duterte and a challenge to name corrupt individuals or agencies.

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: Challenged Bongbong Marcos to a debate

In March 2022, amid news about Bongbong Marcos' unsettled estate tax dues, Manny Pacquiao challenged Marcos to a one-on-one debate and criticized those who would vote for a "plunderer."

2022: Potential negative campaign in 2022 elections

In 2022, President Duterte challenged Pacquiao to name certain individuals or agencies, otherwise he will launch a negative campaign against the senator in the 2022 elections.

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.