BY WENDELL VIGILIA

BOXER Manny Pacquiao yesterday confirmed he will run for mayor of his hometown General Santos City,

He will be running against Pedro Acheron, who stood as a sponsor in his wedding.

Pacquiao, in a press conference in a Quezon City restaurant, also maid a pitch for the senatorial bid of administration bet Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay.

He said he will campaign for the administration unity coalition as he is a member of Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), the political party founded by President Arroyo.

Asked why not he was not gunning for a Senate seat instead, Pacquiao said: "Bata pa tayo."

Election Chairman Benjamin Abalos earlier advised Pacquiao to get a lawyer because his General Santos residency might be questioned.

An aspirant must a registered voter in the place where he is running for at least one year.

Pacquiao early last year registered as a voter in Manila. Last December, he transferred his registration to General Santos.