Will boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao run as Manila vice mayor of Arnold “Ali” Atienza instead of going up against Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio in South Cotabato’s First District in the May 14 polls?
Pacquiao might as well do so on March 29 which is the last date of filing certificate of candidacy (COC) at the Commission on Election.
Even Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos said Pacman started his boxing career in Malabon, Mandaluyong and Manila.
He is considered as a long-time Mandaluyong resident, according to Abalos, who supported the then young, struggling boxer in his quest for fame and glory.
There are still unanswered questions on Pacquiao’s residency in Gen-San (General Santos) where he now lives in a newly-built mansion.
A Comelec lawyer, Atty. Rafael Rafanan, said he doubts if the People’s Champ has resided for at least six months in Gen-San where he claims to have registered as a voter.
“He should consult his lawyer because there appears to be conflicting reports about his domicile,” said Rafanan.
Prior to this, Election Officer IV Villamor Igne said Pacquiao’s congressional bid in South Cotabato is deemed invalid because the world’s current most popular boxer registered as voter in Manila last October 16, 2006.
The Comelec officer admitted having processed Pacquiao’s registration in Manila’s Sixth District of Paco, Barangay 830, where his name is listed at Precint No. 3361-B.
Pacquiao was sworn in as a member of Manila Mayor Joselito “Lito” Atienza’s Liberal Party wing last week which gives strength to speculations that he will actually be seeking for the vice mayoralty post in the country’s long-time capital city instead of his native Gen-San in Cotabato.
The flamboyant boxer said he wants to become a congressman to bring the national government closer to his poor constituents in Gen-San.
While Custodio said she won’t be questioning the discrepancy in Pacman’s residency, the Comelec is making moves to make him realize he can’t be a voter and a candidate at the same time in two places. (PNA)
