By Prince Golez

The presidency is not a joke.

Palace Spokesman Harry Roque had this to say on Senator Manny Pacquiao’s plan to join the presidential race next year.

“Sabi ko nga kay Manny [Pacquiao] pray very hard for this kasi being president is no joke,” Roque said during an online forum held by Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. Wednesday.

The Palace official said the next president must be a person of proven competence.

“Masyadong tough na challenge to become a president,” according to him. “You really need proven competence to become a president,” he added.

According to a recent commissioned survey conducted by Pulse Asia, Pacquiao ranked fourth on the list of possible presidential bets for 2022, with a 10% preference rating.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte emerged as the top choice at 26%.