GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/14 May) ? Major political realignments may soon shape up here and the neighboring areas following the emergence of boxing champion Manny Pacquiao?s newly-approved political party as a new regional political force.
Pacquiao?s People?s Champ Movement (PCM), which was approved last week by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as a political party, is reportedly gaining support from various local political camps in this city and in the provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato.
?Many political leaders are supporting Pacquiao. I think it will eventually emerge as a regional political party,? Koronadal Mayor Fernando Miguel said in a radio interview.
Miguel, who heads the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats bloc in South Cotabato, said he is among those who approached the Pacquiao camp for possible alignments in the May 2010 elections.
But he immediately clarified that he will remain a member of Lakas-CMD citing that PCM is only a regional party.
The outgoing mayor, a staunch supporter of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, earlier revealed his desire to run for governor of South Cotabato.
Miguel endorsed Pacquiao?s bid to join the congressional race in Sarangani in the 2010 polls, saying the latter is capable of making a difference not only in his new home province but in other areas as well.
?He will make a good leader because he is sincere with his intention to serve the people. If he does that and performs well in Congress, I will not hesitate to support him should he desire to seek a higher post in the future,? he said.
Pacquiao, who lost his congressional bid in the first district of South Cotabato in the 2007, elections, had earlier transferred his official residence from this city to Kiamba town in Sarangani, making him eligible to run for any post in the province in May 2010.
PCM is currently backed by Mayor Reynaldo Constantino of Malungon town, Sarangani board member Raul Martinez and former General Santos City Councilor Franklin Gacal Jr. (Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews)
