Uncut version of Pacquiao's same-sex marriage interview sparks debate

An uncut version of Manny Pacquiao's views on same-sex marriage has emerged on social media and has gone viral, sparking a debate from netizens over whether his pronouncements were taken out of context.

Pacquiao, who is slated to figure in what would be his farewell bout against Timothy Bradley on April 9 (April 10 PHL time), is being hounded by criticisms around the globe for his remarks. He has since apologized for the comparison, but stood by his comments which were borne out of his beliefs from the Bible.

The uncut video began with Pacquiao saying he was expressing his beliefs as a Christian.

"As Christian bawal naman yung same-sex marriage. Ginawa ang babae para sa lalake, ginawa ang babae para sa lalake.

"Kasi para sakin ito lang, common sense lang, makakita ka ba ng any animals na lalake sa lalake o babae sa babae?

"Mas mabuti pa yung hayop, marunong kumilala kung lalake o lalake, [kung] babae, babae. Oh diba? Ngayon kung lalake sa lalake o babae sa babae eh mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao. Ang hayop lang, hindi talaga puwedeng magsama ang lalake sa lalake.

"Pero I'm not condemning, I'm not condemning them -- yung [same-sex] marriage lang. Yung committing sin against God."

(As a Christian same-sex marriage is prohibited. Women were made for men, men were made for women.

For me it's like this, it's common sense. Would you see any animals, male to male or female to female? Animals are better then, they can determine who's a boy and a girl. Now if we [allow] male to male and female to female then it's worse than animals. Even animals, males cannot be together.

But I'm not condemning, I'm not condemning them -- only [same-sex] marriage and committing a sin against God.)

The video sparked debate, with some netizens feeling like the edit altered the weight of his remarks.

Wentor Aguirre Mendoza said: "So this was the whole interview of Manny. I guess we are all victims. Bat ngayon lang nila nilabas tong full interview na to at pinabayaan nilang kumalat yung na-cut na video ng interview at magkagulo ang mga tao? Even Manny, sa dami ng interviews nya di nya man lang nabanggit na putol yung lumabas na interview video nya."

Gerry Braganza added: "Obviously Manny was taken out of context. Stick to the issue 'christian point of view according to manny same sex marriage is not allowed' ganyan naba ka overreactive ang gusto ng same sex marriage? Per christian point of view karumaldumal yan (abominable). If the overreactive people were having a new religion then they should also respect the religion of Pacman. Put this controversy to rest, Pacman has already sought forgiveness. Forgive and forget.

Still, some netizens feel that the uncut video didn't change anything that Pacquiao said.

Shao Masula said: "Doesn't change the fact that he said 'mas masahol pa sa hayop' ang LGBTs. Kumabig lang kunyari. Hindi kinu-condemn but he called LGBTs worse than animals."

Mitch Ian added: "Guys, I am sorry. Still. Ganun pa din yung message. Yes, i understand na sacred ang same sex marriage meaning the ceremonial itself. Pero yun point dito is, LGBT as an animal. Hinaluntulad sa animal. The gestures and reactions guys. It is foul! Pls. Yun lng ang point. Lowest of the low."

Nicos Rebleza Garcia chimed in: "tinatanong ba sya as a christian or as a congressman? context din muna... kung tinatanong sya as a christian, well tama lang ung sagot nya pero kung as a congressman eh masasabi natin na mali nga talaga.. as a public servant and a law maker, your religious view should not affect your judgment towards civil issues like this."

Due to his remarks toward LGBTs, sports apparel giant Nike has recently severed its relationship with Pacquiao, to which the Filipino boxing icon answered by saying that he respects the brand's decision. —JST, GMA News