Regulating domestic and international trade, declaring war and maintaining the military, representing in diplomatic relations, voting on science and transportation decisions, and helping local government agencies communicate with the federal officials are some of the new responsibilities that Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao will have come November this year. After a one sided victory, gaining more than 120,052 votes (about 50,000 more votes than his opponent), Manny won the election via a knockout. He was the people?s champion, and now he is directly partly responsible for their every day lives in one way or another. With very minimal formal education, Pacquiao reached unbelievable heights, and I congratulate him on such tremendous achievement. But what will this mean for Manny Pacquiao the fighter? Will he fight the same? Will his boxing career be cut short to pursue his political one?
I am no politician, and don?t know too much about politics and their way of business. After extensive research to write this piece, I am worried that this victory will likely affect Manny?s future in boxing. Of course I am not saying it just to say it, and I have some interesting things I learned about congressmen that I will share with you.
From what I could understand, the toughest part of being a congressman is not the time dedication it requires, or constantly being a media target, but the psychological effect it can have on a person (although in this case, media can make a difference too). For many years, Manny?s image in the world of media has been clean and respected. Cameras and microphones were shoved in his face, while people in the background were shouting things like: ?You go Manny. You are the champ. Pacman is # 1, etc). But how will Manny be affected, if the same scenario occurs, but this time the people will be shouting negative things, blaming Manny for the poverty and the many problems that the communities are suffering from. After all, Manny is uneducated, and has absolutely no place in politics. He may be a great public speaker and have the tools to make the crowd roar with patriotism, but what happens when things go wrong? What if the people are in trouble? He has no knowledge of what to do in cast that happens. Who do you think the blame (from people and officials) will fall on: the uneducated boxer, or formally educated political figures? I know the Filipino people love Pacquiao, but Political playground is alien to him.
In turn, if such does happen (and it probably will as Philippines are financially struggling) I think the emotional aspect will get to Manny, and his self confidence along with training will suffer. Boxing requires a clear head, with only boxing in mind. When other things start to seep in, they take up ?thinking space? and people start wondering on and off. Less of what Roach says will get inside Manny head; his mood/energy will be affected by the negativities that surround his political agenda. Roach assured me that nothing will change, and that Manny will be the same man in the ring. I hope so, but I can see how he could be wrong. I guess all we can do is wait and see how the congressman does in the ring with an unbeaten cocky Philthy Records owning Floyd.
Please, discuss this piece and tell me what you think. Will Pacquiao be affected? Will he fight less now that other duties await?
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