Looks like Rep. Manny Pacquiao isn?t going to hang his gloves very soon and could still be fighting well until it is time to make a run for a Senate seat.
Close ally and Malungon Mayor Reynaldo ?Bongbong? Constantino said Pacquiao had a change of mind. Instead of trying his executive skills as governor of Sarangani, Pacquiao will reportedly seek re-election ? with a career in politics now his priority.
Boxing, however, will remain his bread and butter for as long as he continues to sell and find promoters willing to bankroll his fights.
While it makes business sense, Pacquiao recent decision will weigh on his future dealings with political allies and foes alike.
Pacquiao apparently was told that his soured relation with Malaca?ang will pose a problem when he continues to fight while being a governor at the same time. Every time he fights, Pacquiao will have to go on extended leave when in training and will have to seek clearance from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to travel abroad in pursuit of his profession. He could face suspension or expulsion if the DILG will whimsically decide to charge him with absenteeism. Or it could deny any request to travel abroad should Pacquiao continues to be a thorn to the Aquino administration. The Aquino government will not be going anywhere until 2016 when Pacquiao is already eligible to run for senator.
In the House of Representatives, he will only have to deal with the House Speaker for authority to travel. For as long as keeps his winning ways, the House will always oblige, with so many of his ilk cuing to get the next available flight to get a taste of the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas.
Forget the prolonged absences. Pacquiao has been doing that for the last two years. In fact, he is the top congressman who had the most absences in the Second Session of the 15th Congress with 31 absences out of 52 sessions between July 2011 and June 2012. He was also out 26 times (out of possible 73) in the First Regular Session. And nobody seems to be missing him.
With his decision to keep his House of Representatives seat, Pacquiao needs only to fight once a year beginning 2013 to keep his war chest filled to the brim. But that comes with a big if. If he continues to win and he finally gets Floyd Mayweather Jr. A devastating loss could quickly erode his marketability. At 33, he is not getting any younger. Pacquiao is like a durable tire. No matter how he will try to extend his career, the wear and tear will finally take their toll. The speed bumps, the punctures, the thinning rubber will eventually expose the steel thread.
Either a new set of tires are in order or the journey ends.
So from today until 2016, expect a part time congressman and a part time boxer from Pacquiao.
