While the hierarchy of the President Arroyo?s political party, the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), was all set to swear in Manny Pacquiao as one of its members, the world boxing champion yesterday ?snubbed? the event in the Le Souffl? Restaurant at The Fort in Taguig City and instead went to the Manila City Hall to take his oath as member of the Liberal Party of Manila Mayor Joselito ?Lito? Atienza?s faction.
The media and some ranking officials of Kampi, including Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte, Kampi president, and Sorsogon Rep. Jose Solis, were already
at the restaurant when they were informed that Pacquiao was backing out.
Members of Kampi were all set to meet Pacquiao and swear him in as its district chairman in General Santos City.
According to Villafuerte, he does not know the reason Pacquiao backed out.
?He wanted more time to make the final decision because he has to make a choice whether to run or just campaign for the administration,? he added.
Villafuerte, after swearing in around 150 mayors and councilors, stressed Kampi is not frustrated by the non-appearance of Pacquiao because the boxer has committed to campaign for administration candidates in the May elections.
He said Pacquiao is going to make a final decision in two days.
Sources from Kampi said Pacquiao could have been prevailed upon by Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. or Manila Mayor Joselito ?Lito? Atienza, a staunch supporter of the boxer, not to join Kampi.
The boxing champion, during a television interview over GMA Network?s 24 Oras, said he is interested in joining the mid-term elections, but stressed he is still undecided on what elective position to run for.
House sources said the rift between Kampi and Lakas is now apparent because while both camps have denied they are slugging it out and are on a recruitment binge they are actually doing what they have been denying.
Earlier, the boxing celebrity went to the Commission on Elections in in a bid to regain the people?s confidence in the scandal-ridden electoral body.
Pacquiao, however, stressed his visit to the Comelec main office has nothing to do with his reported plans to enter in politics. Gerry Baldo
