Pacquiao concedes defeat in bid for Philippines Congress
MANILA, Philippines -- Manny Pacquiao conceded defeat Sunday in his candidacy for a seat in the Philippines Congress, failing to transform his boxing ring stardom into political power.
He was defeated by Darlene Custodio, who has said Filipinos weren't prepared to lose an icon like Pacquiao, the WBC International super featherweight champion, to the country's chaotic politics.
"I accept the result of the canvassing," Pacquiao told ABS-CBN television.
He urged Custodio and other winning candidates in his southern home province of South Cotabato to "make good on their promise to help the poor."
"If that happens, I would be happy, it would be like a victory for me," the 28-year-old fighter said.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
