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 icon celebrated as one of boxing's all-time greats. He holds the distinction of being the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, demonstrating unparalleled versatility and skill across weight classes. Beyond his boxing achievements, Pacquiao also served as a senator of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, showcasing his commitment to public service and his nation.

Sections (7)

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

2006: Disclosure of Eman Bacosa's Existence

In 2006, Joanna Rose Bacosa disclosed the existence of her child with Manny Pacquiao, named Emmanuel "Eman" Bacosa. Pacquiao initially did not acknowledge him but was later seen training with Eman, who pursued boxing.

2008: Tax dispute origins

In 2008, Manny Pacquiao's earnings from his fights in the United States became subject to scrutiny by the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), leading to future tax disputes and controversies.

2009: Tax dispute origins

In 2009, Manny Pacquiao's earnings from his fights in the United States continued to be subject to scrutiny by the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), leading to future tax disputes and controversies.

2010: Pacquiao's speech on human trafficking and criticism on reproductive health bill

In 2010, Manny Pacquiao delivered a praised speech on human trafficking but faced criticism for being uninformed during a discussion on the reproductive health bill.

November 26, 2013: Philippine Bank Accounts Frozen by BIR

On November 26, 2013, the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) froze all of Manny Pacquiao's Philippine bank accounts due to an 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: Pacquiao scores one point in basketball game, Daniel Orton comments

On February 18, 2015, Manny Pacquiao scored one point in a basketball game. Former NBA player Daniel Orton commented that Pacquiao playing professional basketball was a "joke", leading to Orton being fined and replaced.

February 2016: Controversial Remarks on Same-Sex Marriage and Nike Partnership Termination

In February 2016, Manny Pacquiao made controversial comments on same-sex marriage in a video statement, leading to criticism and the termination of his longtime partnership with Nike. The Grove at Farmers Market in Los Angeles also banned Pacquiao from the shopping mall.

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

On September 18, 2016, Manny Pacquiao 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, Manny Pacquiao, then a senator, approached Philippine authorities to attempt to settle his tax case with the BIR. The BIR maintained that taxes were still due even if taxes had been paid to the IRS.

2017: Pacquiao defends 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 2020: Pacquiao becomes acting party president of PDP–Laban

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

2020: Pacquiao cast as General Miguel Malvar in biopic

In 2020, Manny Pacquiao was cast to portray General Miguel Malvar in the upcoming biopic film "Malvar: Tuloy ang Laban", which generated mixed reactions from the Malvar family.

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May 2021: Pacquiao files bill for Boxing and Combat Sports Commission, criticized by Senator Cayetano

In May 2021, Senator Manny Pacquiao filed a bill proposing to create the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission, which was criticized by Senator Pia Cayetano for its timing during the coronavirus pandemic.

June 2021: Pacquiao criticizes 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.

2021: Paradigm Sports Management Lawsuit

In 2021, Paradigm Sports Management filed a lawsuit against Manny Pacquiao, alleging that he breached an exclusive management deal by having two management companies negotiating simultaneously for boxing matches.

2022: Duterte challenges Pacquiao

In 2022, President Duterte challenged Manny Pacquiao to name corrupt individuals in the government, threatening a negative campaign against him in the upcoming 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, ordering him to pay $5.1 million plus attorney fees and interest.

August 2024: Verdict Overturned in Paradigm Sports Management Lawsuit

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