MANNY Pacquiao was not a joke when he ran for congressman in 2007 in GenSan.
When he lost, Pacquiao was ridiculed no end?even as that was only his first foray into politics.
Many said Pacquiao should have won because he was virtually on top of the world, having already catapulted himself to global stardom with his exploits in the roped ring.
Over here, popularity is virtually the name of the game in politics.
But people said he may be popular but then, in 2007, his money fell on wrong hands.
Meaning, you might be a crowd darling but if your money went to someone else?s pockets, goodbye.
That was the story of Pacquiao?s defeat in 2007.
A sub-plot to the story to his 2007 debacle was, Pacquiao fought a clan that has become well entrenched in GenSan politics, no matter that his foe was a lady from that clan.
Over here, politics is also genderless.
More often than not, popularity can be no match against clan dominance.
Over here, politics needs popularity, yes, as a main ingredient to victory.
But then, if you are popular but do not have the money, you can still lose.
OK, you are popular and you also have the money?that makes for a potent mix of victory at the polls.
But then, popularity is one thing and money is another.
As I said, Pacquiao is popular and does have the money to run his campaign.
Trouble was, in 2007, his money went to thieves cloaked in sheep?s clothing. It was a formula for disaster instead of for dethroning the incumbent.
But he learned his lessons well so that in 2010, he finally won?not in GenSan but in Sarangani.
Again, in this country, you can have multiple residences, another formula to get elected into office. That?s no joke.
And why Sarangani for Pacquiao in 2010?
Well, that?s Jinkee?s birthplace, the same reason Jinkee is now also in politics as a candidate for vice governor in Sarangani.
Pacquiao as Sarangani congressman and Jinkee, with an impending victory in May, as Sarangani governor soon?I kid you not.
So listen up: In 2016, it?d be PacMom Dionisia?s turn to seek a House seat representing GenSan.
And that?s no joke, either.
