Filipino boxing champion Emmanuel D. Pacquiao can now be formally addressed as honorable congressman.
Pacquiao was sworn into office late in the morning Monday by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio the capitol grounds of Sarangani before some 3,000 well-wishers and provincial employees.
Pacquiao becomes the first and only reigning boxing champion to be elected as a member of his country?s legislature.
He begins his work with high expectations from residents of Sarangani who voted him on promises to improve health, livelihood and education in the province.
He said he will ensure that a university will rise in the province.
Sarangani does not have a college or a tertiary level educational institution.
Pacquiao was accompanied by his wife Jinkee.
Pacquiao reportedly spent more than Php 300 million (USD 6.6 million) to earn his victory.
He was listed by Forbes Magazine as the world?s fourth highest paid athlete with earnings well over US$40 million.
The newly sworn in congressman publicly announced he will fight at least two more times before retiring from boxing to concentrate on his political career.
His promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank is reportedly negotiating a megabuck fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr in the fall.
Pacquiao stands to earn at least US$40 million if the fight pushes through.
In his inaugural speech Pacquiao implored every body to ?look back, look around and look forward? to improve the lives of residents in Sarangani.
Although a long-time resident of nearby General Santos City, Pacquiao adopted the hometown of his wife in running for the lone congressional district of Sarangani.
He first ran in 2007 in General Santos against then incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio but lost heavily.
He won by a landslide in May this year against businessman Roy Chiongbian.(FOTO BY COCOY SEXCION)
