THE guy really is a sports superstar. In fact, he is more. Manny Pacquiao is so popular with all Filipinos that the political opposition welcomed him home over the weekend with a friendly warning to stay away from politics.
The man called Pacman arrived to a hero?s welcome a few days ago. Hundreds of thousands of Pinoys lined the streets to get a glimpse of the man now considered as pound for pound one of the best boxers in the world. He proved this with his total demolition of Erik Morales last week.
He may not have a valid world title, but nobody cares. He is a megastar in the ring, and people will pay good money to watch him fight. As one American sportscaster said of his mastery of Morales, the Filipino fought like ?a young Mike Tyson.?
Whether they admit it or not, Pacquiao?s clout with the masses scares the opposition. And whether they like it or not, Pacquiao has allied himself with the Arroyo administration, which coyly said that it would ?welcome? any support that Manny would give them, including but not limited to endorsing its candidates.
So naturally some oppositionists warned that Pacquiao would probably ruin himself by taking part in Philippine politics.
Not so. If he will merely endorse candidates ? for which he will naturally be handsomely (and secretly) rewarded ? he can do no wrong. Those endorsements will translate into votes, no doubt. Just how many, we can?t be sure. But they will have a huge positive effect on some of the administration?s candidates.
Opposition Senator Jamby Madrigal knows just how effective an endorsement of a popular figure can be into winning votes. She herself was supported by actress Judy Ann Santos in the last elections. It was Madrigal?s second try at a Senate seat and she had lost badly the first time she ran. Maybe because there was no Juday appearing in her posters then?
Judy Ann Santos may be popular, but she?s no Manny Pacquiao.
Now since Pacman has cast his lot with the Arroyo administration, the next few months will be spent determining whose hand he will raise for photo ops. Each shot will be precious, especially in the countryside.
If Pacman so desires, he can also do radio and TV commercials. Boy will he earn a mint this way, tax free at that.
Other, lesser stars will join the fray, of course. Bata Reyes will have his share of customers. Ditto with Robin Padilla. But without doubt, it will be Manny Pacquiao whose endorsement will spell magic.
Just look at all the products he is now endorsing. From socks to milk to vinegar to fastfood burgers, he endorses consumer product after consumer product. None of those companies believe they are throwing away precious advertising and marketing money on the boxer, now at the peak of his career.
The guy has actually made obsolete the likes of Aga Muhlach and Richard Gomez, formerly the country?s top celebrity endorsers. Even Sharon Cuneta has had to take the back seat to Mr. P.
Come campaign time, he will be earning even more money than that $3 million he earned from the third Morales fight.
The opposition should simply accept the fact that Pacman is in Gloria?s camp and move on from there. Their biggest fear for now is that the sweep of the 12 senatorial slots that they were counting on will no longer happen, all because of one popular pugilist. Already, a recent survey has shown that one administration candidate, Michael Defensor, is now a possible winner. A couple more of his admin buddies are within striking distance.
So what should the opposition do?
Here?s an idea or two. How about fielding the best possible candidates? How about discussing issues? How about presenting a superior program of government?
Wait. Did I just propose something totally unacceptable to Philippine politicians, especially senator wannabes? I think I did. Because local politics is still a popularity contest. Damn. My bad.
Might as well take this all the way. Why not Manny Pacquiao for senator? We?ve already had actors and comedians mess up the Philippine Senate. Why not a jock?
Know why Sonny Jaworski couldn?t get reelected as senator? He was a forgotten basketball superstar when he ran again in 2004. At 27 and seemingly invincible, Pacman doesn?t have that problem, does he? (I?m not serious, folks. Not really. Or am I?)
