AS I said in another column, how would I now address Manny Pacquiao?
Still Manny? Or Senator Pacquiao?
I never got to meet him in person while he was congressman of Sarangani. So, I never got to call him Cong Manny, Cong Pacquiao or Cong PacMan.
Maybe now that he is senator, time will allow?
Anyway, he said he has retired and so, he will have enough time now attending Senate sessions.
Unlike when he was congressman, when he attended only four times out of 200 sessions?despite being a two-term lawmaker from 2010 to 2016.
Many had opposed Pacquiao?s bid for the senate, including former Sen. Rene Saguisag. Rene was the most rabid campaigner against Pacquiao becoming a senator.
But then, as I have always said, Rene?s was a lost cause from the very start.
Anyone against Pacquiao winning a Senate seat was doomed.
Not only is Pacquiao popular, he is also almost an icon. People idolized him like he has become a demigod.
And if we say people, we refer to the masses of Filipino people that comprise nearly 70 percent of our population.
Against the people?s decision, one can never win.
The bulk of our voters went to Pacquiao and that?s not a surprise at all.
Pacquiao is their own, the very symbol of belonging.
People own Pacquiao because Pacquiao was from them, of them by them.
The rich are powerful, no doubt, what with their billions in the bank.
They can manipulate the powerful in government, including big time politicians.
But the rich can never defeat the people?s decision, nor can they block the people?s wish.
Because the people?s wish was for Pacquiao to become senator, so will it be. No force can ever block their decision.
Without Pacquiao?s billions earned in boxing, he would have easily become the poorest ever elected senator.
And never be surprised: Even if he didn?t spend a fortune in his campaign sorties unlike his fellow candidates, Pacquiao would have still emerged a winner.
Such is his drawing power, charisma if you will, so that he would still win even if–like the hugely popular Rodrigo “Digong/Rody” Duterte–he did not campaign at all.
Now, here is an unsolicited advice: Pacquiao should make up for his forgettable stint in the Lower House. Manny, get yourself a high-powered staff to help you draft bills that benefit nobody but the poor.
Good luck, Senator Pacquiao.
