Pacquiao free to run for president, but not in 2016

News of boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao's intention to run for president rattled many Filipinos over the weekend.

Malaca?ang, however, did not act surprised, saying the Filipino boxing icon has every right to pursue his dream.

"Kung sa damdamin ni Ginoong Pacquiao (ay) karapat-dapat siyang tumakbo, nasa sa kanya po 'yun. We cannot stop anyone from fulfilling their ambition," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in an interview with reporters on Monday.

But one major point raised by the Palace official may prove to be a stumbling block to Pacquiao's plan.

"Bawat tao naman basta lumagpas kayo ng 40 years old may karapatan kayong tumakbo bilang pangulo ng Pilipinas," Lacierda said.

Article VII Section 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states "no person may be elected President unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least forty years of age on the day of the election, and a resident of the Philippines for at least ten years immediately preceding such election."

Pacquiao is only 34 years old and will turn 38 in 2016, the year of the next presidential election. ?

On the day of the May 2016 polls, Pacquiao will only be 37. His birthday is on December 17.?? ? Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News
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Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/319671/news/nation/pacquiao-free-to-run-for-president-but-not-in-2016

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