GENERAL SANTOS CITY — “Don’t,” world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao was told by two of his staunchest supporters, on reports the popular sports hero is being eyed to join the political arena for the 2007 polls.
“He is still good for the next five years in the sports of boxing,” Rey Golingan said of the 27 year-old Pacquiao.
Golingan, chief of the local Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines who has been supporting Pacquiao since he was an amateur, said Pacquiao should instead try to influence the national government to make boxing the country’s national sport.
“It is only in boxing where we have the potential to excel,” Golingan said.
Pacquiao’s victory dinner party last Monday, sponsored by the city government, was held at Golingan’s Family Country Homes and Convention Center.
Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. on the other hand urged Pacquiao to shun politics. “I think he should leave the political problems of the country to the political leaders,” he said.
Opposition figures earlier accused Malaca?ang of taking advantage of the boxer whose popularity soared after winning over Mexican boxing legend Erik Morales on January 22 (January 21 evening in las Vegas).
Acharon said Pacquiao should be left alone to pursue his boxing career since he has done his part by unifying the nation during the bout with Morales.
Golingan and Acharon, however, said, Pacquiao could seek public office once he gives up his boxing gloves. Both said Pacquiao will have high chances of also trouncing rivals in the political arena.
