MANNY Pacquiao going back to school?
Why not, says respected lawyer Rudy Salud when asked regarding the latest plan of Pacquiao.
According to Salud, it will be better for Pacquiao to complete a course in college than think about politics this early.
“I was against it before and will still be against it in 2010,” said Salud referring to Pacquiao’s recent failed bid in politics.
The well-liked lawyer, one of the founding members of the World Boxing Council who drafted the prestigious boxing body’s constitution, is actually more concerned about Pacquiao’s boxing greatness and he wants to see the Filipino boxing superstar cement an eternal legacy in the sport.
As for Pacquiao’s plans of going to school, Salud suggests that Pacquiao also improve his mastery of the English language. “It’s the key. Along the way, he’ll be reading law books in English so he needs to have a better command of it, added Salud.
Pacquiao recently told BusinessMirror that he intends to take up political science and eventually enroll in a reputable law school.
Salud reiterated the need to invest more time once Pacquiao is finally into it and said he should not allow himself to go into any type of shortcuts just to get a diploma.
“The best way to succeed is to undergo the hard grind. Seminars and other short-term courses will of course help, but that will not be enough to catapult him to the top,” said Salud.
The boxing superstar, who bowed to incumbent South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio, got his high-school diploma after passing the accreditation and equivalency test given by the Department of Education (DepEd) in February.
As soon as the diploma was handed over to him in a press conference at the DepEd office earlier this year, Pacquiao, who looked like he was in a playful mood, said he would enroll in a prestigious university in Metro Manila.
Salud believes Pacquiao’s ring smarts is one good sign that the Filipino fighter has some good qualities of a potential lawyer.
“He’s good in changing strategies and easily adapts to his opponent and these traits are crucial for lawyers. He also amazed me about his insights of the sport when he worked as a TV analyst before,” disclosed Salud.
The eminent lawyer was referring to the local television coverage of the title defense of Hawaiian Brian Viloria against Jose Antonio Aguirre last year. “It’s good he wants to polish his street sense with scientific education,” said Salud.
As for politics, Salud said Pacquiao can still have a successful stint but only at the right time.
“He should go easy on that plan. I admire his desire and I believe in his sincerity to help but really, he doesn’t necessarily have to be a congressman,” added Salud.
Pacquiao plans to leave on May 28 together with his family to get a much-needed vacation in the United States.
The explosive southpaw boxer will be honored as the 2007 Fighter of the Year in the upcoming 82nd annual Boxing Writers Association of America awards ceremony on June 8 at the Copacabana in New York.
The 28-year-old Pacquiao disclosed his plans of taking up Political Science in preparation for his bold aspiration.
Pacquiao has had countless legal battles here and in the United States and along the way, has lost considerable amount of money with previous managers, promoters and agents on one-sided, ludicrous deals.
Salud said it will be most effective for Pacquiao to avoid any media hype or attention if he finally enters school.
“This way,” Salud, a former commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association, added, “there won’t be any pressure on Pacquiao to prove himself against critics.”
