WHEN boxing icon Manny Pacquiao came home from Las Vegas after his winning streak against Erik Morales, thousands of his fans mobbed him as soon as his feet landed once again on Philippine soil. “Pacman” souvenirs were selling like hotcakes. And since the streets were jammed, traffic had to be rerouted. He was the word of mouth in all radio and TV stations. His face was even seen posted on police cars. This is just one illustration of how Manny has united the Filipinos — with smiles painted on their faces and a sense of pride.
This picture of a hometown hero being cheered on nationwide, even by Filipinos living outside the country, shows just how much of a celebrity Pacquiao has become. He is famous, no doubt, counting his advertisements and endorsements on the side. On top of that, he is loved by the Filipino people as a whole. The thought and sight of him generates gladness, celebration and pride. This is why if he runs for an office, there is no doubt that he is going to win, nail down whoever his opponents would be. The Manny who wins in the ring is also a sure-fire winner in politics, knowing the psyche of the majority of Filipinos when election comes.
We do not have the right to say that politics is not for him. Our constitution has it that anyone who is a Filipino and of legal age is qualified to run for virtually any position that he or she wants. But we know how elections, especially in the Philippines, can bring out the best and worst in people. Politics, as history has painfully taught us, can corrupt even the best-intentioned people.
Although it is such a relief that Pacquiao said during a recent press conference that politics is not running in his mind at the time -? hence dismissing rumors that he is running for vice mayor of Manila, the city that gave him the title “Adopted Son” – we can never tell if this is how things are going to be in the future. He said he only wants to celebrate the victory of the Filipino people. This sounds great to the ears, but knowing how politics run in this country, knowing that there are political rainmen out there who would somehow find a way to use Pacquiao’s charisma and popularity for their sake, nothing is impossible.
With Pacquiao’s power to capture the attention of an entire nation, it becomes easier each time to turn to him for political leadership. When he fights, he cuts the crime rate to zero. The metro’s highways are clean. The country just stops what it is doing, holds its breath and watches. And at the winning moment, a politician or two can be seen being taken in photos with the champ, escorting him, even driving him around. Politics just seems too close, too close. Sooner or later, the song siren of politics would be more difficult to resist.
Pacquiao’s townmates are right when they said that politics will only pull him down. For them he’d better be an advocate of government projects and campaigns for development. The famous Muhammad Ali and Oscar De La Hoya did just that. Pacquiao can help a lot in boosting the government’s image. He can inspire his countrymen to reach for their goals, no matter what the odds. He can help the Filipinos be proud of being one. And there is confidence that he can effectively deliver these social and civic roles. Sure, he can keep endorsing as many products and services requested of him, just not a political candidate, party or position. Let us just allow Manny to bloom where he has successfully planted himself. The Filipinos are more than happy seeing him there. This is the pedestal we have put him on. Let him stay there. (AJ)
