Manila: Professional boxing star Manny Pacquiao is leading in the race for Philippine Congress.
The Commission on Elections says "Pacman" is ahead in the count in the southern province of Sarangani, where only about half of 300,000 registered voters cast ballots Monday due to a daylong downpour.
Election official Michael Abas says figures will be released later on Tuesday.
The boxer is seeking to join other Filipino celebrities and former athletes who have won seats in the House of Representatives in the past two decades.
His opponent, 61-year-old Roy Chiongbian, is from a politically powerful family.
The 31-year-old Pacquiao is considered the world's best pound-for-pound boxer. His popularity in the Philippines includes a side career as a singer.
