Kris to Pacquiao: Unlike you, Noynoy undefeated in polls

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - In an apparent jab at Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, actress-TV host Kris Aquino said her brother Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III has an undefeated record in politics, while the "Pinoy sports icon" still has to prove that people want him in public office.

The actress, who is actively campaigning for her brother, said in her Twitter account that she has seen the TV endorsement of a "Pinoy sports icon" indirectly claiming her brother has not proven his real worth in politics.

Kris was referring to Pacquiao, who is endorsing Aquino's rival, Sen. Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party.

In the ad, which showed him together with actors Dolphy and Willie Revillame, Pacquiao said: "Merong iba d'yan, laban ng laban sa salita pero wala pa namang nagawa."

In response, Kris Tweeted on Thursday: "In politics, Noy has won 3 straight terms sa Congress and won almost 15 million votes sa senatorial [race] in 2007."

"How sad na he didn't think na in politics, knock out nga s'ya," she added.

Kris was referring to Pacquiao's failed first attempt in politics, when he ran against Darlene Antonino-Custodio for a congressional seat in South Cotabato in May 2007.

Kris also said that unlike the "sports icon," her brother has already proven that voters want him as a public servant by winning all the elections he has entered.

"In politics, si Noy ang may napatunayan because Noy has never lost an election! Ika nga, undefeated ang record n'ya," said the actress.

Pacquiao, who is running against Roy Chiongbian, who, like Antonino-Custodio, comes from an influential political family, shrugged off Kris' comment.

"Hindi kami nang-aaway ng ibang kandidato, kasi kung mang-aaway ka, maganda ang intensyon mo tapos mag-aaway ka, hindi magandang halimbawa [iyan]," he said.

Despite Kris' statement, Pacquiao said he still considers the actress a friend.

The boxing superstar added that he is confident he will win this time around.

"Panatag ako na mananalo," he said. -- With a report from Anne Santos, ABS-CBN SOKSARGEN.

Source: ABS-CBN News