MANILA, Philippines ? World boxing champ and Sarangani congressman-elect Manny Pacquiao is excited to start his official function as a legislator partly because he wants to prove that he is competent enough to be with other honorable representatives in Congress.
?Marami ang mga tao na, they’re underestimating my capability to serve the people. Gusto kong ipakita sa kanila na mali silang lahat,? said Pacquiao on Tuesday during his first visit to Manila since winning as congressman in his province.
The 7-division boxing champion said he wants to be remembered in history not only as a boxer but as a good public servant.
?My goal is to [be] remember[ed] not only as a boxer but to [be] remember[ed] [as] a good leader,? he added.
However, Pacquiao said he will take a short breather with his family before he eventually starts his official duties as a member of the House of Representatives on June 30.
Pacquiao, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion, said he wants to make up for lost time with his family as a result of the 45-day local campaign.
?Siguro bakasyon muna, pahinga… ?yung mga anak ko napabayaan na, eh,? he said.
His wife Jinkee, who accompanied him to his trip to Manila, said she will support her husband all the way.
?Proud ako sa kanya kasi na-achieve naman niya ang gusto niyang marating. For him, parang it’s a blessing. Susuportahan ko kung anong projects ang gusto niyang gawin,? said Jinkee.
Pacquiao won the lone congressional seat of Sarangani province after garnering 120,052 votes against rival Roy Chiongbian, who got 60,899 votes.
In the 2007 congressional race, he lost to incumbent South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio.
The boxer celebrated his victory with a party that also coincided with his mother?s birthday on May 15.
Her mother, Dionisia Pacquiao, said she prayed and wished for her son?s victory. — With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News
