MANILA, Philippines – Two senators on Tuesday expressed strong disapproval over boxing champion Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao?s decision to officially join President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kampi) party.
In a radio report, Senators Panfilo Lacson and Juan Miguel Zubiri both advised Pacquiao, the reigning WBC lightweight champion, to stay away from politics and instead, focus on his career as a boxer.
Lacson said Pacquiao?s decision to join Kampi is a ?kiss of death,” adding that the boxing sensation should back out from the President’s political party while he still can.
Lacson said Pacquiao did not learn from his mistake in the 2007 elections when he decided to run for congressman in South Cotabato’s first district under the administration but lost. At the time, Pacquiao was with the Liberal Party faction of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza.
For his part, Zubiri warned Pacquiao not to allow himself to be used by politicians, who see him as a ?dollar sign” because of the millions of money he earned in his bouts.
Zubiri added Pacquiao must be wary of any attempts by these politicians who might exploit him and use him as their milking cow.
At the same time, he advised Pacquiao to shift his focus and dedicate his time in building more foundations for the poor, especially to the children who are most needy.
On Monday, Pacquiao formally took his oath as a member Kampi.
The oath-taking took place in the office of Interior Secretary and Kampi chairman Ronaldo Puno at Camp Crame.
According to Pacquiao, he joined Kampi because he wanted to show the Filipinos that he can also be a champion in serving his countrymen. – GMANews.TV
