GENERAL SANTOS CITY —Boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquaio will have over half a billion peso in campaign fund for his congressional bid in Sarangani, a source said.
Many would not believe it, especially the political opponents of Pacquiao in Sarangani, like businessman Roy Lopa Chiongbian, youngest son of the late Rep. James L. Chiongbian; Sarangani ex-Gov. Priscilla Chiongbia, and Gov. Migs Dominguez of the tycoon Alcantara Family.
But Jun Ramos, spokesman for Chiongbian and Dominguez, said that the two are not unfazed by the huge campaign kitty of Pacquiao, although they have reservations that the boxing champ would spend that much.
“Everyone knows that the wealth of the Chiongbian and Dominguez-Alcantara are more than doubles what Pacman has now. They would do their best to knock out Pacman, his would be second loss after he was beaten by Rep. Darlene Custodio in 2007 congressional seat in South Cotabato,” Ramos stressed.
“Pacman is so blessed he won’t even spend a penny from his earnings in boxing or commercial endorsements. He’s spectacular popularity would give him P.56 billion by endorsing 12 senators, vice-president and president in the 2010 polls at P40-million per endorsement,” the source said.
He revealed that Pacman did this when he endorsed former Gov. Chavit Singson for senator in the 2007 election and got a P40-million pay. Pacquiao gave the money to his friend Malungon (Sarangani) Mayor Reynaldo Constantino against incumbent Mayor Teody Padernilla.
Earlier, Pacquiao has pegged him campaign fund at P400-million to make sure that his popularity would be converted into votes on the day of election.
“Pacman changed his mind and raise his campaign kitty to at least half-billion to be very, very sure of winning the election. He is that obsessed to win a new battle in his life – an electoral fight against millionaires,” added the source.
