Manny Pacquiao made a statement last week that he believes people in gay relationships are "worse than animals."

Pacquiao who is running for Senator in the 2016 Philippine elections and plans to run for President of the Philippines after he retires -- was asked about his thoughts on gay marriage during an interview in one of the local networks. His reply created a stir among the Filipino people and the rest of the world. Pacman was vehement in condemning gay marriage -- saying, "It’s common sense. The animals are better. They know how to distinguish male from female. If we approve [of] male on male, female on female, then man is worse than animals." The People’s reaction was swift -- and he was quick to apologizing for his comments. Although being a politician, this did not allow him to back down on his anti-gay marriage position. "I'm sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals ... please forgive me for those I've hurt."

Nike immediately terminated an endorsement agreement with Manny Pacquiao after the Filipino boxer made shared his thought against homosexuals. Nike, a giant in sportswear said in a statement that it found Pacquiao’s comments “abhorrent” and that it no longer has a relationship with the fighter. Nike has previously taken steps to discontinue endorsement relationships with other sports stars, and has included clauses in its contracts, which allow the company to end sponsorship if an athlete offends the public. This already shows the sentiment of the world on the People’s champion.

I believe all men and women are created equal. It does not matter which color, religion, social background and sexual preference you belong. Everyone must be treated with respect, the kind of respect a human being deserves. I do not wish to pass judgment on Manny, I’m sure he has a valid explanation to what he really meant. However I would like to point out one thing, it is your responsibility to be very careful in sharing your opinion with others especially if you are a public figure. One must understand that your opinion matters and may affect others. It is also common sense that if you are running for public office, you must maintain equality and balance in social issues like this. This will dictate what kind of leader you are going to be. Your opinion will reflect the kind of person that you are and where you came from and you will be judged according to what comes out of your mouth.

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