Mayor Lito Atienza denied allegations that he is endorsing World Boxing Council super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao for vice-mayor of Manila in the 2007 election. But, he hastened to add, there is nothing wrong if anyone aspires for an elective office to serve the people.
On July 5 Pacquiao registered as voter and resident of Manila before the Commission on Elections, fueling speculation that he planned to run for the second highest position in the city.
In an interview Sunday night upon arrival from a trip to China, Atienza said he had not discussed the possibility with the boxer. He said, however, that Pacquiao could do a lot to help develop the city.
Atienza said Pacquiao is intelligent, loyal and thoughtful. Most important, Pacquiao understands that development is essential to progress.
The mayor noted that Pacquiao had spent most of his early years as a boxer in Manila, training in Sampaloc. He has personally witnessed the transformation of the city from want to prosperity.
He also said Pacquiao grew up practically in Manila. From General Santos City, he came to Manila as a youngster to pursue his dream as a boxer.
“At that time, he couldn’t jog along the Roxas Boulevard because he might be robbed or stabbed,” he said. “Now, it’s totally different. Seeing the development, he wants to make his own contribution to the city.”
The mayor brushed off criticisms that Pacquiao is a school dropout, saying his character more than makes up for his shortcomings.
“What I know about Pacquiao is that he knows how to reciprocate the assistance given him by people when he was a struggling boxer,” Atienza said.
