Pacquiao campaign manager calls senator 'dark horse' in presidential race

Presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao's campaign manager, Buddy Zamora, called the senator the "dark horse" in the elections, citing his third-place ranking in the latest Pulse Asia survey.

The Pulse Asia survey, conducted from April 16 to 21 with 2,400 registered voters, shows Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. leading with 56 percent, followed by Vice President Leni Robredo with 23 percent.

Pacquiao secured third place with 7 percent, overtaking Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso who dropped to fourth with 4 percent, while Senator Panfilo Lacson is in fifth with 2 percent.

Despite the survey results, Pacquiao and his camp are confident in a come-from-behind victory, citing the large number of supporters attending his motorcades and rallies.

Pacquiao believes his supporters, particularly those from the D and E classes, are tired of traditional politics and see him as their hope for genuine change.

Zamora highlighted Pacquiao's "massive libreng pabahay (free housing)" campaign as a key promise to voters.