DON?T BE surprised if boxing star Manny Pacquiao decides at the last minute to call off his plan to run for public office in the coming elections.
Amid calls that his bid for either the mayoralty of General Santos City or a Congress seat representing South Cotabato (District 1) would only result in devastating setback, Pacquiao remains undecided on what position he will aspire in the May 14 polls.
Although Pacquiao is more inclined to run for mayor and challenge longtime friend and the incumbent Pedro Acharon Jr., he?s not ruling out the possibility of facing South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio.
The filing of candidacy for local positions could only be accommodated until March 19 and Pacquiao hasn?t revealed when he is going to file his own candidacy. He is also being eyed as the running mate of Ali Atienza in Manila.
He reportedly registered as a Manila resident last year.
The next two to three weeks is going to be crucial for Pacquiao, who has a scheduled fight on April 14 against Mexican Jorge Solis at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
“By that time (March 19), Manny would already be training in the US,” said Pacquiao?s lawyer, Franklin Gacal.
The fight with Solis was moved to April 14 from its original date of April 21 to allow Pacquiao to get back to Manila and catch up on the campaign trail.
Pacquiao has been advised by close friends not to run for office, while his supporters have been criticizing his intention to enter politics as evidenced by internet posts even in the pro-Pacquiao website mannypacquiao.ph.
Acharon is Pacquiao?s wedding godparent who is seeking his third and last term as GenSan mayor and is a formidable opponent owing to his political machinery. If he decides to seek a seat in the Congress, he will be up against a tough foe.
“It?s going to be tough for Manny,” said Rey Golingan, whose amateur boxing program was where Pacquiao, then known as Kid Kulafu, began showing the traits of a fearless fighter.
Golingan said the mere fact that Pacquiao hasn?d made up his mind is a good sign.
“I have a feeling that he will eventually decide not to run,” said Golingan. “I really hope that he backs out of politics.”
Yesterday, Pacquiao showed up at the Comelec but he wasn?t there to file his candidacy but to endorse the senatorial bid of Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson. Last Friday, he graced the press conference announcing the senatorial quest of Surigao Rep. Prospero Pichay and during the evening took his oath as member of the Liberal Party of Manila mayor Lito Atienza.
