DO I want Manny Pacquiao to be in Congress?
In 2007, I said, yes.
On May 14, 2007, he lost in Gen. San.
This year, I xeroxed my yes in 2007.
Among others, Pacquiao, if he prevails on May 10, will:
1) Score a major upset as the Chiongbians rule and treat Sarangani Province like their personal fiefdom;
2) Become the first active boxer to win an election contest;
3) Hold two positions both bathed in glory and honor: A lawmaker and a reigning world boxing champion;
4) Establish a record as the first boxer in the world, whether retired or active, to win a seat in Congress, and;
5) Achieve his dream to become a congressman in only his second try.
I think that once Pacquiao becomes a congressman, boxers from around the world will find his feat too difficult to surpass, let alone equal.
And add that delicious distinction to his seven world boxing crowns in seven different weight divisions, why, we will have one as delectable an alien as E.T (Extra Terrible?).
Do I really want Pacquiao in Congress?
Yes, because I want to know if he could really transfer his extraordinary power atop the ring to the political arena.
For, if he could, he?d be one of a kind?the one this country badly needs to trigger a renaissance in Philippine politics.
But as one doing war in a battlefield that Pacquiao doesn?t know from Adam, can he also do it via a world-class act?
I believe so.
He?s used to the public glare, and he?s been proven to perform at his best when the world is watching.
But he isn?t armed enough to argue his pro-poor laws in Congress, his education being suspect?
I disagree. One with a purity of heart, one with the passion to alleviate the condition of the poor, and one with the will to do things without fear or favor will always succeed.
Besides, he can always employ people equipped with tools to polish his legislative punches.
As I said, I have yet to shake the hand of Pacquiao. But even from a distance, I can feel that if he clinches it, he?ll be from a breed quite totally apart from the two-legged species of crocs in Congress.
I pray the Sarangani folk will dump the ?07 Gen. San trash and make it happen for Pacman on May 10.
For, deep in my heart, I know the Pacman will not disappoint.
