MANNY PACQUIAO declared yesterday that there’s no more turning back in his bid to run for congressman of his home province despite mounting opposition from practically all sectors of society that he desist from jumping into the political fray.
Showing the bullheadedness and determination that have chracterized his now legendary boxing career, Pacquiao said he will attack this new endeavour with same ferocity that made him what he is now.
“I will not back away from this fight. I don’t take a backward step,” said Pacquiao in Pilipino.
He said he has no ulterior motive execept to serve his people better.
“I have always been concerned about the people of South Cotabato and if I get elected I will bring progress to my province,” he said.
He noted that because South Cotabato is a known opposition bailwick, it does not get ample funding from the national government. He said he planned to change that, acknowledging that he has close ties with people in the highest echelons of government.
He also expressed confidence that he can beat the current representative of the province, Darlene Antonino-Custodio, who is seeking her third and final term as congresswoman.
“I know the pulse of my provincemates,” said Pacquiao, dismissing advice that Rep. Antonino-Custodio, who belongs to a prominent and influential political family, is unbeatable.
He also allayed the fears of countless countrymen who worry that by entering politics – and winning – he might lose the edge that has made him one of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters.
“I believe that I can perform two tasks,” he said.
Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Jorge Solis of Mexico on April 14 in San Antonio, Texas. May 14 is the election date, which means he will be training and campaigning at the same time.
Mrs. Antonino-Custodio said she had heard about Pacquiao’s plans of running for public office as early as two years ago.
According to people close to the boxer, Pacquiao’s political interests were being nurtured long before his recent announcement.
When still managed by businessman Rod Nazario, Pacquiao would walk inside the L&M office in Sampaloc talking about his wish to serve the people of General Santos City.
Pacquiao would imitate the way the typical politician spoke and tell Nazario and his associates Lito Mondejar, Moy Lainez and Gerry Garcia about his desire to lend a hand to the people of General Santos City.
Of course, no one believed him then.
After dropping his political bomb, Pacquiao has been besieged with calls to back out from the race. But the fighter said he’s already made up his mind and that the wave of criticisms only motivates him even more.
“I am a strong candidate that’s why I am being criticized,” he said.
“Give me a chance and you’ll know that I mean every word that I say,” added Pacquiao.
