ALL INDICATIONS seem to point to Manny Pacquiao going the way of other celebrities who have been hit with the startling reality that popularity does not necessarily guarantee success in Philippine politics. At least it doesn’t seem that way anymore.
In the past decade or so, movie actors and other popular entertainment personalities deigned to join the electoral process egged on by wily politicians who saw the built-in advantage of having these celebrities in their group.
Alas, after some were unmasked as do-nothings or worse, know-nothings, the people realized the folly of sending entertainment personalities to elective positions and decided to dump most of them to the growing roster of also-rans.
It seems Manny Pacquiao dove into the political waters at a very inopportune time indeed. Two or three elections ago, he might have been a shoo-in. This year he seems to have been caught in an era of distrust in celebrities.
I think it also didn’t help much that his raison d’etre’ as a candidate was his avowed closeness with powers that be which he believed would translate in his district being showered with projects like manna from heaven. Obviously, the electorate of the first district of South Cotabato wanted more from their representative. I mean, if all that was needed for a congressman to be effective was being palsy-walsy with Malaca?ang, then we should fill the legislature with relatives, business partners and other friends of palace dwellers. I’m sure one or two could be found in every other town in the country.
In the aftermath of the crushing defeat of Pacquiao-whom Filipinos have equated with winning albeit in a different milieu- finger-pointing seems to be the order of the day especially for those who feel that Manny was hoodwinked into thinking he could be a member of the House of Congress.
This is an insult to Manny whom many have been complimenting for his astuteness and extra-ordinary intelligence. How many times have we heard people telling Manny to his face that he is as smart as they come? That he could do no wrong, that even when he signed two disparate contracts, he came out of it unscathed and still much sought after?
And now that he has decided to test how far that intelligence can endure, it is inferred that he could not have come to the decision by himself? Talk about irony!
One thing I fear for is the post-election mood of Manny Pacquiao. I have seen so many people who went into deep depression after losing an election. It is not easy to accept rejection after months of being assured that people loved you and would vote you into office overwhelmingly. And as a celebrity, Pacquiao drew huge crowds as he went out on the hustings. That it did not translate into a winning vote would understandably be hard to comprehend, especially for one just getting his feet wet in the murky business.
We hope that this does not bode a grim future for Manny’s mindset especially when he decides to go back to what he really does best, which is campaigning in the boxing ring. We all feel he can still do very well in his fistic career (where he will surely still get the support of the entire Filipino nation), but he will have to have a mind free of anxiety or insecurity.
Pacquiao has been quoted as admitting he was surprised with the many discoveries he made during the past campaign period, most of them not very nice. Obviously, the learning process is far from over.
The first thing that Manny should realize is that his provincemates’ decision not to send him to congress does not mean he is no longer admired or liked. His opponent, Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio herself hit the nail on the head when she said in a radio interview yesterday: “Mahal pa rin si Manny ng mga taga South Cotabato” (Manny is still loved by the people of South Cotabato).
But as many who have experienced heartbreak have heard in so many words and in so many languages, the people of their district seemed to say-“we do love you Manny, but not that way.”
