EVERYONE is advising Manny Pacquiao to be on the lookout for people who will try to take advantage of him. He’s also been told to be wary of people appearing to be after his welfare but whose intentions are the opposite.
On top of the list are politicians, followed by agents and marketers, movie producers, promoters and business managers, hangers on, relatives, those with glib tongues and sad stories to tell, and yes, media practitioners.
But no one has advised Manny to be careful about the one person who could do the most damage to the boxer – himself.
Manny is raised on such a high pedestal, treated like a god, that the boxer may believe he can do no wrong.
For example, on the eve of his coronation by San Miguel Corporation as the country’s highest paid commercial endorser, breaking the records of Fernando Poe Jr., Kris Aquino, Sharon Cuneta and Aga Muhlach, a woman came forward saying she had an affair with Pacquiao and that the affair produced a baby boy.
She showed pictures of her, the baby and Pacquiao together. They were happy, she said, until recently when Pacquiao, who visited them at times, became scarce and then, finally disappeared. Disappearing with Pacquiao was the financial support that he had promised the woman and the baby. It is for this reason, she said, why she is going to court.
Here’s a woman fighting for her rights and what does Pacquiao hear from his new, powerful backers? Nothing but assurances, even praises, one of whom even promised a lawyer so Pacquiao can defend himself adequately from the woman who is pictured as only after his money.
“Kawawa naman si Manny. Biro mo what he did for the Philippines tapos ganun ang ginagawa sa kanya,’’ said one as if Pacquiao were the aggrieved party and the woman a slut urged on by a clever lawyer.
No one told Pacquiao that he must own up to his responsibility and support the woman and her child without any condition. What Pacquiao has been hearing is that he can get away from this indiscretion by just paying off the woman, and the problem will disappear.
Of course, it will. Money is known to buy anything, silence being one.
But you can be sure, considering Manny’s lifestyle and other hobbies, that this will not be the last scandal involving this fighter. A known gambler, Pacquiao’s circle of friends, some of them anyway, is hardly the kind you’ll associate with Sunday church activities.
Who knows what he will gamble on next? His reputation? (He’s done that already) His future? (Maybe) His next fight? (God forbid).
As for dealing with women, we suggest he gets in touch with Erap, Dolphy or ex-Sen. Ramon Revilla. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. These people are not exactly role models when it comes to treating women. But I still have to see them tell an ex-lover, “Go see my lawyer.’’
