Filipino Prez To Manny -- Retire Right Now ... Before You End Up like Muhammad Ali

A really bad May just got worse for Manny Pacquiao ... 'cause the president of his beloved Philippines is telling Pacman he needs to RETIRE ... before he gets SERIOUSLY hurt.

Benigno Aquino III, the top man in Manila, reportedly made the statements to Bombo Radyo in the Philippines ... saying he thinks it's time for the 36-year-old Pacquiao to think of his long term health over ring glory.

According to Filipino reports (translated from Tagalog) ... the Prez didn't stop there, going on to say that Manny need look no further than Muhammad Ali -- who fought until age 39 -- for an example of a fighter who held on too long ... and paid the price for it.

“One of the most tragic examples, perhaps, was when I saw (Ali) lighting the Olympic torch with his hand shaking.”

Aquino also said that the Filipino fans -- who worship Pacman -- should be understanding of the fact that the magic can't last forever ... and allow the superstar to retire in peace.

“If we will push him (and say) that ‘No, there should be a rematch, you have to take a gamble again', I think we will not be showing debt of gratitude to the person.”