MANILA, Philippines – Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao said he doesn?t need a higher position in government so he could help improve the plight of the national athletes.
?Even when I was not a congressman I?ve been helping sports. With or without any position I will support sports,? Pacquiao told reporters the other day.
The second-term congressman in Sarangani spoke before athletes and sports officials during the launch of the Sports for All program at Philsports.
Pacquiao said he understands the problems hounding Philippine sports, primarily the lack of budget or funding from the national government.
He said less funding means sub-standard equipment for the athletes, limited international exposure, and fewer victories on the big stage.
?Problema talaga ang financial at funding because our athletes are not inspired to work hard and train hard, especially if you don?t have the equipment,? he said. Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
The Philippine Sports Commission receives very limited funding from the national government, barely enough to feed the close to 50 sports associations and over a thousand athletes.
?Our athletes need encouragement. It?s not all physical but also mental and spiritual. We have small facilities,? Pacquiao added.
Pacquiao, the only boxer in history to win world titles in eight different weight classes, said a good sports program helps translate into a better economy.
?It really helps,? he said.
?I agree that we need to increase the budget of our sports commission and I believe we can use sports to promote tourism and to promote our country,? Pacquiao said.
It helps a lot, he continued, when there are more athletes reaping honors for the country in the international arena, and it will eventually help draw foreign investment.
It helps the economy because having more champion athletes also helps boost tourism.
?Sports is like tourism. You promote the Philippines,? he said.
Pacquiao was repeatedly asked about his plans for the 2016 elections, and he gave the same answer that nothing is definite yet, including his plans to run as senator next year.
?I?d be lying if I say I don?t have plans. I have plans. But I?m still considering a lot of things. Malayo pa naman. Once I make the announcement, it means I?ve decided,? he said.
?Hindi puwede sugod nang sugod. I?m considering my family, my boxing career,? he said, adding if he decides to run for higher office in the future, boxing should be out of the picture.
There are talks that Pacquiao might seek a much higher position in 2022.
?Kung mag-decide man ako dun, wala na siguro ang boxing para focus na sa serbisyo sa tao. The intention is to help the people,? he said.
On boxing, he said there?s nothing definite as well. He said he?s not even thinking of his next fight.
?Hindi ko pa alam. Hindi pa ako nag-decide ano ang next plan ko. Right now my focus is for my injury to heal,? he said.
Pacquiao is leaving the windows open.
