MANILA, Philippines (PNA) ? The Senate has yet to give Manny Pacquiao commendation for beating Mexican Antonio Margarito for his eighth world title in different divisions but Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III has a friendly advice to the Filipino boxing icon.
?Don?t mind it yet right now,? Sotto said, referring to hints for Pacquiao to run for President following his convincing unanimous victory against taller and heavier Margarito last Sunday in Arlington, Texas.
With his historic victory, Pacquiao became the first professional boxer in the world to win eight world titles in eight different divisions as he snatched the vacant WBC super welterweight title at the expense of another Mexican fighter.
?He should focus in his boxing career and work effectively as congressman of his province (Saranggani). He should ignore those who are convincing him to target the presidency,? Sotto said.
Sotto said the 31-year-old Pacquiao is too young to aspire for the highest position in the land.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri agreed with Sotto, saying Pacquiao can only run for President when he reaches 40 years of age.
?His only opportunity is after 2016 presidential elections because he is only 37 in 2016,? Zubiri said.
Zubiri believes that Pacquiao can handily win a senatorial seat in 2013 but still he can?t run yet due to age requirement.
?He is still underage in 2013 because age requirement for senator is 35 years of age,? Zubiri said.
Sotto said Pacquiao?s chances to get higher positions including presidency is for him to have a good performance as member of Congress for the next nine years.
Sotto is expecting Senate committee on youth and sports chairman Senator Lito Lapid to file on Wednesday the resolution commending Pacquiao?s impressive unanimous decision victory against Margarito.
At the House of Representatives, a total of 12 resolutions have been filed in honor of Congressman Pacquiao.
Besides the WBC super welterweight, Pacquiao had won the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight, International Boxing Federation (IBF) super bantamweight, IBF featherweight, WBC super featherweight, WBC lightweight and World Boxing Organization welterweight belts.
Pacquiao?s victory against Margarito was his 13th straight as he improved his ring record to 52 wins including 38 by way of knockouts with only three defeats and two draws.
