Dazzling Darlene doubled down and, finally, Pacman threw in the electoral towel. Faced with the fact that Darlene Antonino-Custodio garnered 139,061 votes to his count of 75,908 in the Congressional race in South Cotobato, Manny Pacquaio conceded the political loss on Sunday.
Gracious winner Dazzling Darlene told the media that the Filipino voters did not reject Pacman personally, that they did not want to see their sporting idol swept up in the muck and mire of national politics. Give her high marks for that especially when Pacman had lawyers filing complaints about possible voter fraud.
Losing the May 14 election is, I am sure, a nick to Pacman’s outsized ego but it is the best thing to happen to his boxing career and it will give him more longetivity at the top of his brutal sport. He can concentrate on fisticuffs and ignore filibusters. Pacman said he will soon bring wife Jinkee and their three children with him on a USA vacation which will include going to the Boxing Writers Association dinner June 8 in New York. That night Pacquaio will receive his Fighter Of The Year award and then watch his brother, Bobby Pacquaio, fight in Madison Square Garden on the Cotto-Judah show.
Observers opined that Pacman’s close ties to Malacanang Palace and president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hurt him in area where her administration is not liked. Some critics labeled Pacman a political “puppet” for Madame President.
Manny said he had no regrets about his losing run but that he had no plans to run for office in 2010.
One position that remains secure for Pacman is that of the world’s most exciting fighter, a status that Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Jermain Taylor have not threatened with their recent bouts.
Welcome back, Manny. Anyone can be a political hack. Time to think big again, Manny. Time to reclaim the world stage and serve your pugilistic constituents, Pinoys and non-Pinoys, would thrill to your every punch.
