Filipino world boxing legend Congressman Manny Pacquiao has been promoted to the army rank of Lieutenant Colonel, according to sources in Malacañang Palace. Pacquiao holds 9 world titles.
The commission in the reserve force was in recognition of the Sarrangani congressman as one of the world’s finest boxers. His promotion was signed by Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa on the authority of President Benigno Aquino III, the military’s commander-in-chief.
Pacquiao’s promotion was recommended by Army chief Lt. Gen. Ortiz based on the endorsement of his subordinates, particularly Col. Regidor dela Cruz, the commander of the Regional Community Defence Force in Metro Manila.
Military officials had reservations on promoting him to the officers’ rank as this requires a college degree. But Pacquiao’s honorary doctorate degree on humanities conferred by the Southwestern University in Cebu on Feb. 18, 2009, served the purpose, and also his election as Sarangani
congressman in May last year, said Cabunoc.