I didn't hide anything: 'Honest' Manny Pacquiao wins tax reprieve

Superstar Manny Pacquiao won round one in his battle against the Philippines tax authorities, giving him a boost ahead of his next title fight against American Chris Algieri in Macau in November.

The eight-time world division champion has been waging a year-long war with Philippines authorities on charges of tax evasion, even though the 35-year-old Filipino insists his income taxes have been fully paid in the United States.

Pacquiao has won a tax reprieve from the Philippines Supreme Court, meaning he will not be asked to pay a US$75 million cash bond – at least temporarily. It also means the Philippine government has been banned from freezing any of his assets. His tax case is still ongoing.

“Pacman”, who was in Macau on Monday on the first leg of a six-city promotional tour for the “Clash in Cotai II”, said the news was just the tonic before he begins training in General Santos.

“God has answered my prayers with the Supreme Court giving us a chance to explain ourselves.

“It’s a good result. I am honest. I can prepare and fully focus on my training for the fight,” said Pacquiao, who was in Macau to promote his November 23 fight against largely unknown Algieri.

“I’m not bothered about it too much because I know I honestly paid my taxes and I have a lot of papers and documents to prove that.