MANNY Pacquiao is idolized by Filipinos, without exception. Even my four-year-old grandson calls himself Pacquiao. Now the boxer climbs into the political arena — unfamiliar grounds in so far as he is concerned. Doubtless, by this foray of his, he will polarize the people — not to mention what could happen if he loses, which is an enormous possibility.
Look at what happened to Bert Tawa Marcelo. He was idolized by the people of Bulacan province, where he was born and grew up. Relying on his outstanding popularity as a comedian, he plunged into politics (untested waters for him) by running for governor of the province. What happened next is now history. Marcelo lost, not only the gubernatorial race but also all his savings in the bank. Overcome by self-pity and regret, he fell sick and died of complications in the United States.
Let me say in Filipino a sincere advice for Pacquiao: “Huwag kang pa-uto sa mga politiko.” [“Don’t let politicians make a fool of you.”] The moment you lose, not one of them will provide you moral support in your state of misery and self-pity.
Another glaring example is Nora Aunor. Like Pacquiao, she was an icon in her own right. But some bootlickers made her believe that because she was so popular in the entire country, her province-mates would be proud to have her as governor. Nora believed them. She plunged into the murky ocean of politics. And so it came to pass that she who united all the people of Camarines Sur province divided them. Her opponents denigrated her, emphasizing the fact that before winning the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” TV singing contest, which catapulted her to national fame and popularity, all she knew was to sell drinking water to train passengers. And they dug out other issues against her.
After losing the election and her savings, she realized the truth about politics. Last thing we heard, she was a convict in the United States for possession of illegal drugs.
We can cite to Pacquiao other examples, but the similar experiences of Marcelo and Aunor should suffice. Politics is a tricky business. Countless innocent, unsuspecting celebrities succumb to its lures, only to regret the day they allowed themselves to be used by unscrupulous politicians.
All Filipinos love Pacquiao because of the honor and pride he has given our people. But please, let him not divide our nation.
MARCIAL R. PIMENTEL, former governor and congressman, Camarines Norte
