Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is now officially in President Arroyo’s stable, at least politically, while on track in preparations for his monumental December 6 clash against 10-time world champion Oscar “Golden Boy’ de la Hoya..
Pacquiao, the World Boxing Council lightweight champion and erstwhile congressional candidate from South Cotabato, formally took his oath Monday as member of the Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kampi), the President’s political party.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who is also Kampi chairman, administered the oathtaking ceremonies for the 29-year-old four-time world champion in Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Puno told the media following the ceremonies that the prize fighter’s primary task as Kampi member is to help the government achieve peace in conflict-torn areas in Mindanao, such as those threatened by the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation front in North Cotabato province.
“Actually matagal na itong desisyon on both sides na sumali si Manny sa Kampi. Medyo nataon ngayon dahil nga I think makakatulong sa Cotabato kung si Manny will become a member of Kampi, para makatulong din siya sa mga ginagawa natin doon, para matahimik din yung lugar, para makumbinsi ‘yung mga naninirahan doon na makakarating din tayo sa katahimikan diyan,” Puno said.
He said the administration also has the intention of fielding Pacquiao again as a congressional candidate in the 2010 elections. The boxer ran but lost as a congressional candidate of the Liberal Party wing of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza against reelectionist Darlene Antonino-Custodio in May 2007.
Puno said that Pacquiao has good chances of making it in the senatorial elections though he will not be eligible because the minimum age for bets is 35. He added that any political party would certainly open its doors for Pacquiao.
“Well, alam mo si Manny lahat ng partido tatanggapin siya nang lubusan kung saan man siya magpunta dahil alam naman natin ‘yung pagtingin ng mga kababayan kay Manny.”
The party chairman added that it was better for Pacquiao to formalize his affiliation with Kampi now since this would give him more time to juggle his activities for boxing and politics.
Double-time for Oscar
Meanwhile, Pacquiao bared that he will work overtime to train for his upcoming fight against boxing legend de la Hoya at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 6.
The boxer said he is excited to face his idol at last in the ring.
Pacquiao declined to elaborate on the amount of the fight contract though reports have been saying that it was pegged at $100 million.
Despite the secrecy, the Filipino boxer clarified that the revenue sharing for the December 6 clash is not 70-30 as other reports have said.
Pacquiao also said that he would rather keep his strategy to himself, lest the tactics prematurely reach the camp of his next foe.
Late last week, Franklin Gacal, Pacquiao’s lawyer, confirmed to the media that his client has agreed to fight de la Hoya, who, according to reports, has been shopping for a fighter to face for his farewell match.
Pacquiao is fresh from his June 28 triumph against David Diaz for the WBC lightweight belt. Prior to that, he also demolished Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBC super featherweight crown on March 15.
Pacquiao has a record of 47-3-2 with 35 wins via knockout.
De la Hoya, on the other hand, is said to be fighting the final of his career. He holds a win-loss-draw record of 39-5 with 30 wins by KO.
Pacquiao has also said that he plans to retire by 2009. He even hinted at joining politics again in the 2010 elections following his loss in 2007.
