THERE is growing confusion over the political plans of Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao.
One day, he is quoted as saying he will not run for a congressional seat in South Cotabato and would concentrate on his boxing career. But 24 hours later, statements by his lawyer Franklin “Jing” Gacal indicate Pacquiao was misunderstood, and will run in May.
Well-known election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, who accompanied Mayor Lito Atienza, when they met with Pacquiao in Cebu City last Saturday, said he stands by the statements made earlier that the Pacman heeded their advice and said he would concentrate on his boxing career and forego politics at this time.
Macalintal said both he and Mayor Atienza had advised Pacquiao to put his political plans on hold and to run in the future but not this time, which he said Pacquiao agreed to do. In fact, the announced decision of Pacquiao not to run was welcomed by his mother Dionisia, who never wanted her son to enter politics as well as millions of his fans.
But Gacal, in a long distance telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Standard Today claimed that Pacquiao “is running and there was a misunderstanding,” by Atienza and Macalintal about the Pacman’s statement that he would temporarily set aside his political plans and concentrate on training, which he has been doing the past week.
Gacal said he sought clarification from Pacquiao because his leaders are confused, and the ring idol said he will run.
In fact, Gacal claimed that the political machinery of Pacquiao was “established and intact.”
He also revealed that a few leaders belonging to incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio had switched to Pacquiao’s camp, but it was viewed with skepticism by Custodio supporters.
Gacal said Pacquiao was the underdog and a long shot in the congressional battle and the odds were even greater than when he fought legendary Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera for the first time in November 2003.
Macalintal hinted that there were some people around Pacquiao, who were pushing him to run for their own political purposes and that the statements that he will run are probably meant to appease his supporters for the time being.
At the same time, Macalintal said Gacal was not present when they met with Pacquiao and didn’t know what transpired during their meeting.
