MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao says a criminal complaint against him by the Philippine tax bureau is “plain and simple harassment” and he has never shortchanged the government.
The Philippine congressman dismissed media speculation Monday that he may follow fellow boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. to prison, saying “I would rather see him inside the ring, not in a jail.”
Mayweather is due to serve a 90-day jail sentence in a domestic violence case in Nevada. He and Pacquiao have been unable to agree on terms for a fight.
Pacquiao was slapped with a criminal complaint for allegedly failing to submit tax documents.
Prosecutors haven’t decided if there is enough evidence for a court case. Pacquiao could face up to two years in prison if convicted.
