WASHINGTON, D.C.: Take it from a seasoned and highly respected political strategist: Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao is better off forgetting his “political pipe dreams,” and should concentrate on the sport that has made him immensely rich and famous—boxing.
Angelito “Lito” Banayo, former political adviser of deposed President Joseph Estrada, said that he thinks Pacquiao, the reigning best boxer in the world pound-for-pound, is a long shot as a political contender.
Pacquiao, 31, is running as congressman in the lone district of Sarangani province in the May elections, his second foray into politics. His unsuccessful congressional bid in the 2007 elections reportedly cost him P200 million, according to his political leaders.
The only boxer in history to win a record seven world titles in as many weight classes, Pacquiao is currently training in Los Angeles for his March 13 title defense against Joshua Clottey at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas.
“[Pacquiao] should quit his political pipe dreams, focus on his sport, and then retire with his hard-earned money,” Banayo told The Manila Times in an exclusive interview.
Serving the public Banayo, who like Pacquiao, writes a regular newspaper column, believes that Pacquiao could serve the people directly by charity work, being active in sports training, and supporting the cause of good athletics as a foil against drugs and alcohol.
“In short, Pacquiao can be a role model—and like the late Gabriel Flash Elorde, who was respected up to his old days—live to a ripe old age with utmost public esteem,” said Banayo, who remains one of the most sought-after political advisers in the country. And he added that Pacquiao is regarded as a much better fighter than Elorde.
With his money, Pacquiao can invest into business that would serve his constituents directly as PacMan is already doing, Banayo said.
He added that it was doubtful if Pacquiao, who has had no political experience, would excel in politics.
“The history of the country is replete with actors, sportsmen, TV personalities, etc. who littered politics with their mediocrity,” said Banayo.
“Even Erap [former President Joseph Estrada], who could have made a real difference, blew it with his long-ingrained personal habits of sloth and sybaritic pleasures, even if he may have started with good intentions,” he added. “Habits built in a lifetime of ‘super-stardom’ are difficult to transcend.”
Still, Banayo said that he was not ruling out the chances of Pacquiao against Roy Chiongbian, the scion to the long-entrenched Chiongbian family, which has ruled Sarangani practically unopposed in more than a decade.
“If Pacquiao has learned his lessons from his defeat in 2007, and has changed both his ways and his campaign management, he just might prevail over the long-staying Chiongbian dynasty, Banayo said.
He was referring to the boxing icon’s humiliating loss to Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio, who beat him by a margin of almost 40,000 in General Santos City.
Among PacMan’s plus factors, Banayo said, are his public recognition as the country most popular athlete and “plenty of money, which, wisely utilized, could make him win.”
On the negative side, Banayo said that Pacquiao must deal with public perception that he should stick to boxing and stay away from politics, or at least until after he retires from the sport.
