Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Manny Pacquiao

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

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

2006: Joanna Rose Bacosa discloses the existence of her child with Manny Pacquiao

In 2006, Joanna Rose Bacosa, a KTV receptionist, disclosed the existence of her child with Manny Pacquiao, Emmanuel "Eman" Bacosa, born in January 2004. Although initially unacknowledged, Pacquiao later trained with Eman, who pursued boxing.

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.

2010: Pacquiao's political involvements in 2010

In 2010, Manny Pacquiao delivered a praised speech on human trafficking. However, he faced criticism for appearing uninformed during discussions about the reproductive health bill.

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 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.

September 18, 2016: Pacquiao facilitates removal of Leila de Lima from Senate committee

On September 18, 2016, Manny Pacquiao played a role in the removal of Leila de Lima, a critic of Duterte, from her position as chairperson of the Senate Justice committee.

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.

2017: Pacquiao defends Paolo Duterte in Senate hearing

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

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, majoring in local government administration. He completed the degree through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) in one year.

December 2020: Pacquiao becomes acting party president of PDP-Laban

In December 2020, Manny Pacquiao was appointed acting party president of PDP–Laban after Koko Pimentel's resignation, leading to a dispute over the position later on.

May 2021: Pacquiao files bill to create Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission

In May 2021, Senator Manny Pacquiao introduced a bill to establish the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission, which faced criticism from Senator Pia Cayetano regarding its timing during the coronavirus pandemic.

June 2021: Pacquiao criticizes Duterte's stance on South China Sea and corruption

In June 2021, Manny Pacquiao voiced concerns about President Duterte's response to China's claims in the South China Sea and also claimed that the Duterte administration is corrupt. This led to a public rebuke from Duterte and a challenge to Pacquiao to name corrupt individuals or face a negative campaign.

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 challenges Marcos to debate amid estate tax issue

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

2022: Duterte threatens negative campaign against Pacquiao

In 2022, President Duterte threatened to launch a negative campaign against Manny Pacquiao if the senator didn't name individuals or agencies involved in corruption.

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.

October 2025: Vice President of the International Boxing Association

In October 2025, Manny Pacquiao was appointed as vice president of the International Boxing Association, an organization which has been expelled from the International Olympic Committee.