MANNY PACQUIAO has scored sensational knockout wins over great Mexican fighters the past four years.
He floored the legendary Erik Morales not only once but many times in their classic trilogy. He’s revered with religious fanaticism by many aspiring boxers who all shared a common dream of building a palatial home and driving a Mercedes Benz or a Porsche.
And to most Filipinos who cheered his triumphs, he’s a hero and a great inspiration.
But all those adulation may likely go down the drain if he decides to pursue his plan of joining the political arena.
A random survey had shown many people are against his political ambition.
Two days ago, the 28-year-old Pacquiao, considered the richest Filipino athlete and the most colorful sports figure in the country, announced that he’s joining a congressional race in the first district of South Cotabato.
The latest addition in the Liberal Party of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Pacquiao, who at one time worked as a bakery errand boy in Gen. Santos City, will challenge Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio. The lawmaker is gunning for her third term.
The other district of South Cotabato will be contested by Larry de Pedro, the former governor of the province, and Rep. Dodo Pingoy.
Pacquiao’s announcement drew mixed reactions from the voting populace of Tupi, Tampakan, Polomolok and Gen. Santos City.
“Idol siya ng mga tao as a boxer but to run in the congress, he’s in for a tough fight,” said an employee of Dadiangas Fishing Port who refused to be identified. “Sayang lang, gagamitin lang siya ng mga ibang tao dyan.”
Even in the survey conducted by a local radio station in the province, most of the voters don’t want Pacquiao to run in the coming elections since those pushing for him to run are already political lameducks in the province.
“He has the money pero ano ang gagawin niya, he’s still at the prime of his boxing career,” said a bank official who resides in Tupi. “He can’t translate his boxing popularity into politics.”
Another source from the Tuna capital disclosed that allies of Malaca?ang were behind the move to pit Pacquiao against incumbent mayor and wedding godfather Pedro Acharon – a ploy apparently to pressure Acharon to join the administration party.
Both Acharon and Custodio are stalwarts of Nationalist People’s Coalition of San Miguel boss Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, who, incidentally, is an ally of President Arroyo.
So when the backdoor channeling bogged down, the same source said, Malaca?ang allies were again pushing Pacquiao to run against the lady lawmaker who is a staunch critic of the Arroyo administration.
But some grizzled politicians in South Cotabato politely declined to comment about Pacquiao’s chances, saying: “It’s too early to tell.”
Custodio reportedly considered Pacquiao as a tough opponent but she nevertheless welcomed his challenge.
However, some experts said if the elections were to be held today, Pacquiao will be beaten black and blue even if he spends a big chunk of his fortune.
The Antoninos have been in the political scene even before Pacquiao was born.
Darlene’s grandmother was once a senator, her mother – Lualhati – a congresswoman and father – Adel – a mayor of the city.
The Antoninos boast of formidable machinery not only in South Cotabato but also in neighboring province of Sarangani.
Pacquiao may have a reputation of making mincemeat out of his Mexican opponents, but against Antonino, he may have the toughest fight of his life.
