WBO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION Manny Pacquiao has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel by the Philippine military.
Even though the boxer will not seeing any combat action, he has been promoted as a measure to inspire others to enlist.
Army chief Major General Emmanuel Bautista told reporters: “He can help in the recruitment of patriotic Filipinos to join the reserve force as we endeavour to build the force into one great component of a world-class army that is a source of national pride.”
The BWAA’s ‘Fighter of the Decade’ was made a sergeant in 2006, before being promoted to the rank of sergeant major in 2009 after becoming the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
Army spokesman Major Harold Cabunoc said that Pacquiao acquired his new status as reward for winning a seat in parliament last year.
Pacquiao admitted he was not a soldier, but believed he could contribute to the the army in non-combat ways.
