MANNY Pacquiao has been undefeated on the ring since September 2005 but faces an uphill battle today when he seeks the lone congressional seat in Sarangani against a fellow newcomer who belongs to a jaded political clan.
Pacquiao, whose last loss came at the hands of Mexican Erik Morales in March 2005, has won his last 12 fights, including revenge wins against Morales in January 2006 and November 2006.
In between, however, he suffered his first “loss” when, in his first foray in politics, he lost to Darlene Antonio-Custodio by some 37,000 votes in their battle for the lone congressional seat in Gen. Santos City in 2007.
This time, he?s up against Roy Chiongbian, a top business honcho in Sarangani who is the elder brother of incumbent Rep. Erwin. Their father, James, authored the law that created the lone congressional district of the province.
Pacquiao, like the rest of other sports personalities seeking elective posts, is hoping to win the hearts and trust of Sarangani?s electorate.
Among other sports personalities whose bids will be decided today are Monico Puentevella, Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Michael Keon, Joseller “Yeng” Guaio, Franz Pumaren and Atoy Co.
Puentevella, chairman of the Philippine Olympic Committee, is running for mayor in Bacolod City after completing three terms as congressman of Bacolod?s lone district.
Tolentino, president of the cycling association, is seeking his third term as mayor of Tagaytay City while Keon, former chief of the defunct Gintong Alay, is eyeing re-election as governor of Ilocos Norte.
Guiao, coach of Barako Coffee in the PBA and Pampanga?s incumbent vice-governor, is running for governor while former PBA standouts Franz Pumaren and Atoy Co are running for Quezon City congressman and Pasig City councilor, respectively.
