Manny Pacquiao Explores Collaboration With Elon Musk To Build Rocket Launch In The Philippines

JAKARTA – Former Filipino professional boxer Manny Pacquiao met with executives from Elon Musk's SpaceX, Saturday, January 15. Among other things, the meeting was to find ways to provide cheap internet and perhaps a space rocket launch pad in the Philippines.

In a statement on Monday, January 17, Pacquiao, currently a senator in the Philippines, said he and PDP-Laban chair Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III met with SpaceX's head of government relations, Rebecca Hunter on Saturday, January 15.

During the virtual meeting, Pacquiao told SpaceX executives that he said he was "considering" the possibility of building a rocket launch pad in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao given its proximity to the equator.

This according to the boxer who is running for President of the Philippines will not only put his country on the map of space exploration, but will also provide jobs for scientists, engineers, and Filipino workers.

"SpaceX's involvement in our country will not only bring investment and jobs, but will also put us at the forefront of space science," Pacquiao said, as quoted by Rappler.com

"Nakaka-raise the possibility of na ito in kung ano magagawa nito of the sa bansa natin. (It is very interesting to think about the possibilities and what it can do for our country),” said the presidential candidate.

In addition to the launch pad talks, Pacquiao also said he was looking at low-orbit satellites in providing cheap internet in the Philippines if elected president.

“This technology provides multiple uses such as advancing online learning, e-government services, and disaster relief and coordination, as well as connecting our OFWs with their loved ones. Our future needs this technology," said Pacquiao.

The senator also raised how other Elon Musk companies can do business in the Philippines. Pacquiao noted that Tesla's batteries could be used to modernize the jeepney (the Philippines' most popular means of transportation) and that the Boring Company could build a subway system to relieve congestion in Metro Manila.

The Philippine government has also built a subway system, and reports its completion to reach 25% by November 2021. Makati, another metropolis, is also building its own subway.

Meanwhile, Low Earth orbit satellites are the talk of the town in 2021 when a listed telecommunications company announces a potential partnership with Elon Musk's company. Through Starlink, SpaceX looks set to debut in the Philippines in 2022.

In November 2021, Converge ICT Solutions announced that the Earth station for satellite broadband was nearing completion. Transpacific Broadband Group International, also announced that discussions with companies such as SpaceX have been approved by its board.

Now Pacquiao's dream to open a rocket launch pad and create jobs can soon be realized.