GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines—It was the kind of fight where not even his world renowned American trainer, Freddie Roach, would have been much help.
As of 3 p.m. yesterday, reelectionist Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio was leading Manny Pacquiao by nearly 10,000 votes—20,818 to 11,227—with less than a quarter of total precincts accounted for, according to an unofficial tally by the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel).
The contest for the first congressional district of South Cotabato pitted the 130-pound terror of world boxing’s superfeatherweights against the 90-pound warrior who was backed by the powerful political machinery of her clan.
A political neophyte, Pacquiao had bulldozed his way into local politics relying mainly on his popularity in the ring and the ragtag machinery of former Mayor Rosalita Nu?ez.
Custodio’s mayoral and vice mayoral candidates were also leading in their respective races, holding a wide margin over their opponents.
As it appears, the Antoninos’ Achievement with Integrity Movement could again be headed for a sweep.
Educator Bro. Manny de Leon said the emerging poll results would indicate that popularity alone would not spell victory in an election.
He said that Custodio was no match to Pacquiao in popularity but she compensated for that weakness by using her solid machinery.
“The political machinery of the Antoninos is still strong. They had a well-organized campaign down to the purok level and they sustained it up to the finish line,” De Leon said.
Yearning for change
De Leon wished that the people had more choices aside from Pacquiao and Custodio.
“I am inclined to believe that people want nothing but real change. But we have no choice. The people are wise enough to vote for (one) who is more competent,” he said.
According to De Leon, another drawback of Pacquiao’s political bid was the perception that he was a yes-man of Malaca?ang.
De Leon’s view was supported by Fr. Angel Buenavides, spokesperson of the Diocese of Marbel.
Widespread discontent
According to Buenavides, the anti-GMA sentiment is very strong in the South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City (Socsargen) area.
Based on the latest Namfrel tallies, the top five senatorial choices of voters in the region come from the opposition.
“I guess the result of the voting suggests widespread dissatisfaction among the people. Anybody who opposes the President would gain the people’s support,” Buenavides said.
Irony
The biggest irony perceived by Buenavides in the just ended elections was that the candidates of the Genuine Opposition (GO) did not even come here as a team to campaign.
But GO had the backing of the AIM party.
The members of Team Unity (TU), on the other hand, were endorsed by Pacquiao.
Aside from having vast resources, the Antoninos banked on their well-entrenched political machinery.
Custodio’s father, former Congressman Adelbert Antonino, entered politics in 1984 when he ran for the Batasang Pambansa. He lost. But in 1987, he won in the first congressional elections under the Aquino administration. Both Adel and his wife, Luwalhati, also won in the 1992 synchronized elections when they ran for mayor and representative, respectively.
