G Tongi Calls Out Manny Pacquiao’s Past Homophobic Remarks Ahead of His Big Fight
MANNY PACQUIAO – Just before Manny Pacquiao’s bout with Mario Barrios, G Tongi took to social media to remind netizens of the boxer’s 2016 “homophobic” statement.
As Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao prepares to return to the ring against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, actress and TV host G Tongi has reignited public discourse on the boxer’s past “homophobic” statements.
Pacquiao is set to face Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 19 (morning of July 20 in the Philippines). The highly anticipated bout will air locally on RPTV and One Sports at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
But even before the bell rings, Pacquiao is once again drawing attention—not for his performance in the ring, but for a controversy that has haunted his political career.
“Have people forgotten the homophobic comments of Manny when he said gays are worse than animals?!? I mean, why do Filipinos have amnesia?!” Tongi posted on her Facebook page on July 19.
The comments she referred to were made by Pacquiao in 2016 during his senatorial campaign, sparking widespread outrage. At the time, Pacquiao said, “It’s common sense… Do you see animals mating with the same sex? Animals are better because they can distinguish males from females. If men mate with men and women mate with women, they are worse than animals.”
The remark drew backlash not only from the public but also from prominent figures. Celebrities such as Vice Ganda, NBA Hall-of-Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and former wrestler Dave Bautista openly criticized the boxer. Bautista even covered up his “Team Pacquiao” tattoo in protest. In addition, global brand Nike terminated its endorsement contract with Pacquiao following the incident.
Although Pacquiao later issued an apology, he doubled down on his position by stating he remained opposed to same-sex marriage.
As the sports world focuses on Pacquiao’s latest fight, Tongi’s post serves as a reminder of a statement that continues to shadow the legacy of one of the Philippines’ most celebrated athletes.
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