As far as Manny Pacquiao is concerned, politics and boxing can go together if both are practiced with self- discipline.
“Kaya ko naman iyan basta magkaroon lang ng disiplina sa sarili. Kung dati nga ang dami kong ginagawa nagkaroon pa ako ng time sa lahat, iyan pa kaya na dalawa (boxing and politics) lang ang pagtutuunan ko ng pansin,” Pacquiao declared in a press conference at the Manila City Hall, shortly after his return yesterday from a resounding victory over Mexican boxer Jorge Solis in Texas.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) International Superfeatherweight champion and WBC Youth Bantamweight Champion Bernabe Concepcion arrived at 5:10 a.m. yesterday at the Manila Hotel for an overnight stay. The two were personally welcomed by Manila Hotel President Joey Lina.
“Manila Hotel welcomes Manny Pacquiao. This is his second home,” Lina said minutes before the boxing champ arrived from the airport wherein he was escorted by a contingent from the Manila Police District (MPD) led by Acting Director Sr. Supt. Danilo Abarsoza.
Pacquiao, who is seeking a congressional seat in the first district of South Cotabato, said he is not inclined to hang up his gloves should he win in the elections.
“Ipagpapatuloy ko pa rin ang pagbo-boxing dahil unang-una, karangalan ng bansa iyan. Para sa lahat iyan, hindi lang para sa akin. At iyan ang hanapbuhay ko. Wala kasi akong balak na gawing hanapbuhay ang pulitika (I will continue my boxing career, because in the first place, it is the pride of our country. It’s for all, not only for me. And that’s my work. I have no intention to make politics my source of living), ” he said.
He is facing incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio whose family has ruled South Cotabato politics for the last two decades.
During the press conference, Pacquiao noted the lack of significant changes in their province for the past 20 years.
If he wins, Pacquiao said he plans to build a more comfortable airport facility and a hospital that would serve the needs of his provincemates.
The boxer, meanwhile, stressed that he will readily support his opponent should the people decide to retain her in Congress.
“Ang importante, kung sino man ang manalo ay makapagbigay ng kaligayahan sa mga tao (What is important is that who ever wins can make the people happy),” he said.
Pacquiao also conveyed his appreciation to the City of Manila for giving him a warm welcome and continuous support. “Pacman,” as he is fondly called by boxing fans, is an adopted son of Manila and a close friend of Mayor Lito Atienza.
After the press conference, Paquiao paid a courtesy call on President Arroyo in Malaca?ang before going on a motorcade around the city at around 10 a.m.
Jubilant Manilans lined the route of the motorcade and showered Pacquiao with confetti.
“There is a deep sense of pride that Manny (Pacquiao) has instilled in all of us by showing the whole world that Filipinos are champions. He has always succeeded in uniting the country and bringing his countrymen together,” Mayor Atienza said.
Pacquiao addressed questions about his closeness to the Atienzas, saying “matagal na kaming magkakasama at magkakaibigan nila Mayor Lito at Ali Atienza. Bata pa ako at nasa Blow by Blow pa lang, sinusuportahan na nila ako (I have been a friend to Mayor Lito and Ali for so long. Even when I was young and I was with Blow by Blow, they have been supporting me).”
For his part, Manila mayoralty candidate Ali Atienza appealed to opponents not to link to politics the tribute extended by the city government and Manilans to Pacquiao.
General Santos City will be the host of another “salubong para sa kababayan” today, when Pacquiao returns home. People here are surprised that South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio even expressed support for the boxing hero. Darlene was among the thousands of Filipinos who watched Pacquiao fight the Mexican boxer, and shouted with glee over his victory.
Sources in the district say the May 14 elections is a tougher fight for Pacquiao because Custodio is also a worthy political opponent who has strong credentials and a track record of concrete accomplishments. (with a report by Yul Malicse & Joel Atencio)
