SARANGANI, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Facing mounting criticism and loss of product endorsement revenue from companies like Nike, Filipino boxing champion today announced that he was suspending his campaign to become senator.

Earlier this week, Pacquiao received tremendous flak because of his comments comparing gay men and lesbians to (worse than) animals.  He was responding to a question about same-sex marriage.

Pacquiao made the announcement during a telephone interview with broadcaster Karen Davila who pressed him on his constant bible-quoting to respond to issues on same-sex marriage.

The congressman from Sarangani, a devout Catholic, said that effectively immediately, he will quit the senatorial race and focus on his upcoming re-match with Timothy Bradley for the welterweight boxing title scheduled April 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“Win or lose,” Pacquiao said, “I will pursue the priesthood and hopefully become the pastor of my local church in Sarangani. “I believe it is the Lord’s calling for me to pursue this religious path,” he added.