After being heckled and booed in Cebu last Saturday, superstar Manny Pacquiao apparently took notice of the writing on the wall and announced yesterday that he was withdrawing his political aspirations to concentrate on his upcoming fight with Mexican Jorge Solis on April 14.
Pacquiao had planned to run for a congressional position in South Cotabato against incumbent Darlene Antonino-Custodio.
Pacquiao confidant Rex “Wakee” Salud yesterday confirmed the news to Philboxing.com, and said that the last straw that broke the camel’s back was the loud booing accorded to Pacquiao upon his arrival at the ‘Moment of Truth’ card along Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, government lawyer Romy Makalintal, ex-world champ Dodie Boy Penalosa and Salud himself.
The loud boos also reverberated around the 20,000 capacity Cebu City Sports Complex everytime Pacquiao’s face was flashed on the two giant screens put up by organizers of what was considered as the most successful boxing event in Philippine boxing history.
Lawyer Romy Makalintal, Pacquiao’s spokesman, in an interview with Philboxing.com, also confirmed the news.
“Pacquiao treats his fans as very important to him and would listen to their sentiments,” said Makalintal, who indicated that the fighter also apologized to his fans for his political plans.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, who was at ringside last Saturday as the legal advisor to the ALA Boxing Gym, also hinted that Pacquiao’s attempt at public office may not be at all taken seriously by the people, as this is not his core competence.
“If he would insist on running for public office, then that’s where he’s gonna be having a hard time,” said Mayor Lim.
