Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Manny Pacquiao

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

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

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.

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.

2010: Speech on Human Trafficking and Criticism on Reproductive Health Bill

In 2010, Manny Pacquiao delivered a speech on human trafficking that received praise. However, in 2010, he faced criticism for being perceived as uninformed during a discussion about the reproductive health bill.

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 18, 2015: Played Against Purefoods

On February 18, 2015, Manny Pacquiao played briefly and scored one point when the Sorento pulled a 95–84 upset against Purefoods. Daniel Orton made disparaging comments about Pacquiao and was fined and replaced.

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.

September 18, 2016: Facilitation of Ouster of Leila de Lima

On September 18, 2016, Manny Pacquiao facilitated the removal of Leila de Lima from her position as chairperson of the Senate Justice committee.

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.

2017: Defense of Paolo Duterte in Senate Hearing

In 2017, Manny Pacquiao defended then-Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte from allegations related to a seized shipment of illegal drugs during a Senate hearing.

December 11, 2019: Graduation from University of Makati

On December 11, 2019, Manny Pacquiao controversially graduated from the University of Makati with a bachelor's degree in political science through the ETEEAP program.

December 2020: Acting Party President of PDP-Laban

In December 2020, Manny Pacquiao became acting party president of PDP–Laban after Koko Pimentel resigned, leading to a dispute over the position later on.

May 2021: Filing of Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission Bill

In May 2021, Senator Pacquiao filed a bill proposing to create the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission, which faced criticism from Senator Pia Cayetano due to the timing during the coronavirus pandemic.

June 2021: Criticism of Duterte's South China Sea Response

In June 2021, Manny Pacquiao expressed his belief that President Duterte's response to China's claims in the South China Sea was inadequate, leading to a rebuke from Duterte, who challenged Pacquiao's claims of corruption within the administration.

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.

May 2022: Call for Release of Senator Leila De Lima

In May 2022, Manny Pacquiao urged for the "speedy release" of Senator Leila De Lima after witnesses retracted their testimony against her, despite previously supporting allegations against her.

2022: Threat of Negative Campaign

In 2022, President Duterte threatened to launch a negative campaign against Manny Pacquiao in the upcoming elections after Pacquiao claimed the Duterte administration was more corrupt than its predecessors.

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.

August 2024: Verdict Overturned in Paradigm Sports Management Lawsuit

In August 2024, the verdict in favor of Paradigm Sports Management was overturned and vacated due to Audie Attar not holding a required management license when signing the contract with Pacquiao.