Nacionalista Party (NP) vice presidential bet and Senator Loren Legarda on Tuesday welcomed Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao’s inclusion in the Nacionalista Party saying he would help solidify the party’s platform of governance.

Legarda said Pacquiao and his entire party “The People’s Champ organization” would bring her and Sen. Manuel Villar Jr.’s team into the forefront.

Villar is NP’s standard-bearer. Last week, Pacquiao formally took his oath as the newest member of the party.

“Manny Pacquiao, your servants, Senators Manny Villar and Loren Legarda, are kindred spirits. All three of us share a passion to uplift the lives of our people through public service, all having come from the ranks of the majority of long-suffering Filipinos,” Legarda said.

“I, therefore, welcome Manny “The Pacman” Pacquiao and his entire People’s Champ organization in the Manny Villar-Loren Legarda team for a prosperous Philippines,” she also said.

Legarda said Pacquiao exemplified his love for the country when he took a break from his rigorous training for a very important fight against Miguel Cotto where he recently won and came to the aid of victims of the typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

“Manny Pacquiao always fights for flag and country whenever he steps inside the square boxing ring, proving to the whole world that we Filipinos can excel in our chosen fields because we are disciplined, skilled and motivated,” she said.

“He is a well-grounded young man who, while always thanking God for His blessings, has never forgotten to share them with our less-fortunate countrymen,” added Legarda.