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Pacquiao's Senate victory brings him closer to presidency

Associated Press
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FILE - In this April 28, 2016, file photo, boxing star Manny Pacquiao addresses supporters as he campaigns for a seat in the Philippine Senate in San Pablo city, Laguna province, Philippines. Pacquiao was proclaimed Thursday, May 19, 2016, as one of the winners of Philippine Senate seats, bringing him closer to a possible crack at the presidency. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File) (The Associated Press)

Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao holds his Certificate of Canvass as he is proclaimed the Seventh Senator by Commissioner Christopher Lim, right, in ceremony at the Commission on Elections Thursday, May 19, 2016 in suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. Pacquiao has won a seat in the Philippine Senate based on an unofficial count bringing him closer to a possible crack at the presidency. Pacquiao said he will retire from boxing to become a full-time politician. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) (The Associated Press)

Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao receives his Certificate of Canvass from Commissioner Christopher Lim, right, as he is proclaimed the Seventh Senator in ceremony at the Commission on Elections Thursday, May 19, 2016 in suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. Pacquiao has won a seat in the Philippine Senate based on an unofficial count bringing him closer to a possible crack at the presidency. Pacquiao said he will retire from boxing to become a full-time politician. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) (The Associated Press)

Boxing great Manny Pacquiao has won a seat in the Philippine Senate based on an unofficial count and was set to be proclaimed Thursday with other senatorial winners, bringing him closer to a possible crack at the presidency.

The 37-year-old Pacquiao has garnered more than 15.5 million votes with more than 96 percent of voting precincts counted and was in 7th place of 12 winning senators. He has been a member of the House of Representatives and said earlier this year he will retire from boxing to become a full-time politician.

Considered a hero in his country, Pacquiao has indicated in the past he would consider a run for the presidency but often tried to ditch the topic, saying he was too young and inexperienced.