WHEN someone does an exceptional feat to electrify a nation, the call is for the hero to become president. For five years now, ?Pacquiao for president? has been heard after each boxing triumph of Manny Pacquiao. Yesterday, he clinched his eighth title in different weight classes, a grip on ?immortality.? Again the same call, but with a different sound.
The reason: a few days before his clash with Mexico?s Antonio Margarito in Texas, he disclosed to a ?Los Angeles Times? reporter that he wants to run for vice president in 2016 and then for president in 2022.
The Manny Pacquiao Blog. Stories and updates on the Filipino boxing champ.
He?ll be a good congressman, trainer Freddie Roach said, then Manny will run for senator, veep, and president, in that order.
Pacquiao may have to adjust his schedule though since, as whiz-of-a-lawyer-columnist Frank Malilong earlier noted, the boxer can?t run for veep until he?s 40 and Manny will be only 37 in 2016.
The race to the Palace is open to anyone except village idiots and nuisance bets. If a movie star, a soldier, and a housewife could be president, so could the boxing champ of all time.
Fine assets
Pacquiao as congressman has spoken in the House oftener than some of his colleagues who only answer roll call. No legal impediment, a celeb?s household-name, and a huge fortune: fine assets for a would-be president.
But definitely the bid will be no ?slam dunk.? He showed his hand prematurely and other contenders will try to torpedo his chances.
Boxing skills may provide little help and the shout of ?Pacquiao for president? may just be a faint echo 12 years from now.
