Exclusive from the Halls of Congress of the Philippines, May 7, 2010 – Even with the broad public support of Manny Pacquiao’s foray into politics, many have become apprehensive of what he will become if ever he wins
this May 10 congressional contests in the lone district of Sarangani. One such concerned political figure is Congresswoman Jocelyn “Josy” Limkaichong of the first district of Oriental Negros.
In an exclusive interview via Facebook chatline, Limakaichong believes that Pacquiao’s heralded image as the national icon, dubbed the “National Treasure”, might diminish as he pursues his foray into politics which makes him now a divisive figure, instead of a unifying force of the entire archipelago of the Philippines.
“Pacquiao has done well in helping the poor and in lifting up the self-image of every Filipino,” says the daughter of Don Julio Sy, a billionaire business tycoon of the Philippines.”Politics can hurt him because he has never held a public office.”
Limkaichong is popularly known among her peers as an outspoken neophyte, bearing fearless eloquence and fiery, emphatic heart.
Limkaichong, who had no mayors nor barangay captains, except in the town of La Libertad where she served as mayor, overwhelmingly won in 2007 congressional elections over Olivia Paras and also over three-time former Congressman Jerry Paras who reigned in the first district of Oriental Negros upon the blessing of the first Edsa Revolution which transpired in 1986, that which catapulted Corazon Aquino to presidency, and who remained undefeated until mid-nineties. Jerry Paras is the brother of Jacinto Paras, the husband of Olivia Paras. Both Olivia Olivia Paras and Jerry Paras lost their bid for congressional seat to Limkaichong.
Banking on her intellectual foresight, Limkaichong’s rise to congress, thus far, over a well-entrenched political clan was an unprecedented victory, a model that Pacquiao must emulate as to the former’s unique ways of winning the hearts of the people, which, as for him, is indispensable in the first district of Sarangani.
How many “punches” does he need to connect to topple the Chongbian dynasty?
How many “conditional promises” will he have to offer through the thin air of the kingdom of Sarangani?
Does he really have enough wit to checkmate the Chinese grandmaster?
Well, Pacquiao must learn from a Chinese keymaster to unlock the secrets of the Chinese grandmaster, one political analyst suggests with this writer on condition of anonymity.
But, the surveys, which was conducted by the Investigative Agency of Journalists last Wednesday, tell it all, with Pacquiao garnering 66% over Chongbian’s 33%, both of which with a margin of sampling error +/-3.
Now, “go tell it to the mountain, over the hills and everywhere…,” says an ardent supporter of Pacquiao.
Hm…Wait a second! The veracity of the recent survey overwhelmingly favoring Pacquiao, according to the e-mails this writer has received today, has been questioned. If the survey is an orchestrated one, then only one is to blame: the architect.
Another thing,”Manny’s perceived wrong choice of candidates running under his slate and suspect company have alienated voters who might otherwise give him a second look,” according to highly esteemed fellow journalist, Edwin Espejo of Asian Correspondent.
In fact, “Manny’s provincial and mayoral candidates for the seven towns of Sarangani is a merry mix of turncoats, political rejects and people who were once implicated in a Php 45 million scam in the province.” He adds.
As for Limkaichong, she understands this perfectly before she raises her flag in politics, which many political observers suspect Pacquiao does not.
Pacquiao should have differed these ranks in matters of distributing financial funding for his campaign. Otherwise, some will just become instant millionaires by then.
Rightly so, the final test will be on May 10.
To some, National Elections can be just another version of a Christmas celebration in the Philippines. Unmerited sale of votes and boxes of new peso bills bring the issue of the day: Who gets the best deal?
Two more days to go, the penultimate merry day of vote sellers comes culminating “the biggest and longest holiday season” that happens once in every three years!
Sources: Exclusive Interview with Congresswoman Jocelyn Limkaichong; Photos from Congresswoman Jocelyn Limkaichong;
Personal knowledge of this author.
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