Majority of boxing fans believe Filipino ring icon Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao should concentrate on his boxing career and not be enticed to enter the world of politics.
Based on the initial reactions posted in mannypacquiao.ph’s forum, an overwhelming 77 percent of the 31 respondents said Pacquiao should not run for public office. Only 12 percent favored Manny’s plan while the remaining nine percent believes he should be given a chance.
According to a television report Wednesday night, Pacquiao has decided to run for the mayoralty race in General Santos City under the Lakas-CMD banner.
But this early, boxing fans foresee Manny’s move as stunning knockdown in his booming boxing career.
“Manny is a good man and don’t let our dirty politics influence him. So let’s save Manny from dirty politics and those greedy politicians. I am calling for all GENSAN voters not to vote Manny because he doesn’t know about politics. He is only good in boxing,” a boxing fan commented.
Another boxing fan believes that the decision of Pacquiao would be “the start of the end of Pacmania.”
“This the worst decision Manny Pacquiao had made. Manny Pacquiao for Mayor, forget it. Gen San, what’s happening to you? Manny Pacquiao is a boxer and not a politician. Manny Pacquiao should have tried to be a Barangay Chairman first to know his capabilities,” he added.
Another boxing enthusiast felt his admiration for the four-time Athlete of the Year awardee has diminished.
“If I am in front of Pacman, I want to tell him that I truly admire him as a boxer. But when he decided to run in to politics, all those admiration got knockdown. Sorry, but that’s what I’m feeling right now,” he said.
More fans were indeed unsympathetic by saying Manny is “too ambitious to run for mayor” while questioning his educational attainment.
“What a nerve… does he know how to deliver a speech. I think it is too ambitious for Manny to run for mayor. He only finished Grade 3. What he need is a lot of education. Street smart is not a passport to become a mayor, much more ring smart wherein you can just throw a power punch to your opponent and that’s it,” one commented.
Another commented: “He shouldn’t be running at all not even as barangay chairman because the only factor he have are fame and money. He doesn’t even know that you could sign two contracts at the same time.”
Last year, Pacquiao signed two promotional contracts with the Golden Boy Promotions of Oscar de la Hoya and rival Top Rank Promotions of Bob Arum that led to the legal war between the two famous boxing promotions.
Another fan blamed the politicians riding on the popularity of Pacquiao.
“Those trapos (traditional politicians) are convincing Manny to run for the upcoming election,” a certain Jim said.
Another aired his concern on the upcoming fight of Pacquiao against Korean Injin Chi on April 28 in Macau, China.
“If Manny continues to run for politics, he’s gonna be busy campaigning for the May elections instead of preparing for In Jin Chi fight,” he said.
In a separate television report, Manny’s mother, Aling Dionisia, has already given her blessing despite her earlier opposition to Pacman’s plan.
“Now, that is your decision, I can do nothing but to support you Manny,” Aling Dionisia said.
However, if Pacquiao finally decides to run in General Santos City, he may have a problem with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as he only registered in his hometown last December 19, 2006 and he may not meet his one-year residency requirement.
Pacquiao was originally registered in Manila where he has been considered ‘adopted son.” (PNA)
