MANILA, Philippines – Now that People?s Champ Manny Pacquiao is basking in the afterglow of his hard fought achievements in boxing, political circles are abuzz with the possibility that he can convert his rock-star popularity into political capital for higher public office.
Professor Edna Co, dean of the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration (UP-NCPAG), thinks Pacquiao has so much potential in politics despite the unorthodox background.
?No one is not qualified basta may tamang attitude at bukas na pag-iisip na matuto. Ang bentahe niya dahil may political support, dahil kilala siya that?s something he can build on,” she said.
Pacquiao beat a prominent political family?s scion in the last congressional election to become congressional representative of the lone district of Sarangani province.
His victory was a complete reversal of his 1st candidacy in 2007 where he was knocked out for the congressional seat in his native General Santos City by the diminutive Darlene Antonino-Custodio.
Pacquiao?s wife, Jinkee, is a native of Sarangani.
A decent showing
Five months into office, Pacquiao has a decent showing.
Prior to training for his fight with Antonio Margarito, Paqcuiao was almost always present in House sessions and attended committee hearings. He already had his privilege speech where he vowed to work for the poor. He also refereed his warring colleagues who were critical of his political patron, former President and now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
So far, he has filed 4 bills where he is principal author?including one banning advertisements sent through text messages.
He is also co-author of 19 measures, which include a bill putting up fitness centers in local government units.
He is vice-chairman of 2 committees, and member of 19 other big-ticket committees including housing and development, transportation, basic education and culture, agriculture and food, energy, public information and many others.
Co said if Pacquiao remains interested in learning the work, then it is possible that he might consider running for higher office.
“Between now and next election magche-change pa flow ng popularity. Ibig sabihin, he?s popular now immediately after the fight, (but) that can change in 2-3 years time. We cannot tell. As he is now, he has the potential to ascend the political ladder. ‘Yun yung promising,” she said.
She added that Pacquiao’s options need not be confined to the legislature.
?Posibleng may potential siya sa gawaing executive kasi kung puso niya nasa pagbibigay ng aktuwal serbisyo, mas dapat siya sa executive function kaysa legislative,” she said.
Not yet time
For now, the law isn’t in Pacquiao?s corner. He is 31 years old.
The 1987 Constitution bars him from running for senator in 2013, and president or vice-president in 2016.
By 2013, he would be 33, 2 years shy of the minimum age requirement of 35 years for senator. By 2016, he would be old enough to run for senator, but still underage for the highest positions in the land, which requires that a candidate be at least 40 years of age.
That?s fine, said Co, since Pacquiao can use the time to show voters that he can bring his dedication in winning boxing titles to public service.
?I think so far it?s not a bad start. Mahusay na kaniyang pinapakita interes na matuto. Kumuha ng training meron na siyang na-file o na-co-author na legislation. It’s not bad at kung ito’y magpapatuloy, maaaring makumbinse mga tao na siya ay seryoso. Isang malaki dapat ihurdle ay yung kakayahan bilang isang public servant. Ito’y magbabase sa interes sa pag-aaral at showing sa aspect ng legislation,” she said.
This includes shoring up his political base by building the proper political networks. After all, Co said, politics is addition. ?Continue the constant contact with people who in the 1st place who strongly and greatly support him, build his constituency but at the same time learn art and craft of public service,” she said.
