MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – In his first press conference as senator-elect, boxing champion Manny Pacquiao promised those who voted for him that the bible will be his constitution, and that all his proposals and votes as a legislator will be “by the book.”

For starters, Pacquiao said that he is in favor of the death penalty, saying that capital punishment is actually based on the bible.

Asked whether or not he believes in the Sixth Commandment, “Thou Shalt Not Kill,” Pacquiao said, “Yes, but I also believe that the government is exempt from that Commandment.  And that’s why I favor the death penalty if it is imposed by the government.

Pacquiao cited the biblical verse, Romans 13: 1-7, which talks about submission to governing authority.

During his campaign, Pacquiao also used his biblical expertise to support his opposition to same-sex marriage, calling gay men and women  who engage in same sex worse than animals.”

Asked by The Adobo Chronicles if he can promise a 100% attendance as senator, Pacquiao said, “That’s not in the bible.”

Pacquiao is the among the top absentees in his current term as a congressman.

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) –  It was supposed to be a peaceful and spiritual climax to many months of rigorous campaigning for Liberal Party standard-bearers Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo.

On the day before the final “miting de avance,” the party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates decided to attend church services at a local cathedral to pray for victory in Monday’s elections.  They were accompanied by about a dozen or so supporters in their trademark yellow t-shirts.

At the end of the service as they were leaving the cathedral, Roxas and Robredo flashed the “L” sign as a way to thank the clergy who helped in the celebration, music and liturgy.

To their surprise, the clergy – bishops, priests and brothers — flashed back not the “L” sign but the “closed fist” sign, making known their support and approval for rival presidential candidate, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Sometimes, just praying quietly is more than sufficient.