Boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao has issued a stern warning to internet personality Francis Leo Marcos, also known as Norman Mangusin, following remarks widely criticized as offensive toward Pacquiao’s mother, Dionisia Pacquiao.
The controversy erupted after Mangusin, during a livestream, allegedly compared Dionisia’s appearance to that of a “baluga.” The remark quickly circulated online and drew backlash from netizens, many of whom said it crossed the line from opinion into a personal attack on an elderly woman.
In a video response, Pacquiao said he initially tried to restrain himself but reacted when his family was dragged into the issue.
“Syempre, ako lang, nagko-control lang din ako. Nung narinig ko na pati mama ko, gaganyanin niya? As much as possible, kino-control ko ang sarili ko. Pero kapag pamilya ko na ang masangkot, tandaan mo ‘yan,” Pacquiao said.
He questioned whether Mangusin understood the gravity of his actions and said he had instructed his legal team to prepare a case.
“Kilala ba niya ako? File-an natin ng kaso. ‘Pag nakulong, dadalawin ko sa kulungan,” he added.
Pacquiao also warned Mangusin not to push him to his limit, stressing that he was exercising restraint.
“Huwag mong paabutin sa sukdulan na magagalit talaga ako. Kapag nagalit talaga ako, maniwala ka sa akin, hindi mo pa ako kilalang lubusan. Pasalamat ka at naging Christian lang ako. Binago ako ng Panginoon,” he said.
Public reaction largely favored Pacquiao, with many Filipinos pointing out that respect for parents and elders is deeply rooted in Filipino culture and that Dionisia Pacquiao should not be used as a subject of ridicule.
In a separate livestream, Mangusin appeared unfazed by the backlash. When asked by a netizen whether he could defeat Pacquiao in a fight, he claimed he was willing to face the boxing legend without gloves.
“Sabihin mo sa kanya, siya maghamon—darating ako. Walang gloves, kama-kamao. Laban ako diyan,” Mangusin said.
As of this writing, no official confirmation has been made public regarding the filing of a formal complaint, though Pacquiao has made it clear that he is prepared to take legal action should the attacks continue.
