Fans are overwhelmingly against world boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s entering politics as South Cotabato’s first district congressman against Darlene Antonino-Custodio this coming May 14 polls.
In his web site “Pacland,” 91.1 percent of some 19,232 viewers have a resounding “No” answer with various reasons such as Pacquiao is not educationally qualified to become a lawmaker, he is not yet mature for the job, boxing is totally different undertaking from dirty politics, he is meant to become a boxing hero instead of a political heel, he’s not mentally up to it, etc.
But there’s no turning back for the world’s best boxer pound-for-pound because streamers, posters, t-shirts and flyers have reportedly arrived and ready for distribution in his palatial home in Barangay Lagao, Gen-San for his candidacy.
Pacquiao was quoted saying, “If I don’t do it now, when is the right time? When I’m already old and en passe? I can do good in as a boxer and a politician at the same time. My goal is clear, to help my province mates get the most help they deserve from the government.”
There’s the rub; while the majority of Filipinos would want Pacman to stick around for a while to win more honors for the Philippines in professional boxing before finally throwing his hat on the political ring, he believes his constituents, particularly those Polomolok, Tupi and Tampacan need his services now than later.
As a young man in a hurry, Pacquiao wants the dusty roads in his district to be paved so that more investments and businesses which would in turn create more jobs and opportunities.
Maybe, with his influence as a national figure, he could directly go to Malaca?ang and ask for any support he wants since he is particularly close to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Or even part away with some of his boxing and sponsorship money for livelihood or health projects he wants to impart for his constituents who have less in life.
The boxing hero has not yet revealed much of his platform but he definitely wants to put away Opposition bet Custodio who is gunning for her third and last term in Congress.
While non-Gen-San residents are generally up in arms against Pacman’s political involvement, there are a few who are supportive of him.
Manila mayoralty candidate Arnold “Ali” Atienza, for instance, wants Pacman to go ahead, but why didn’t he convince him to become his running mate since the famous boxer is a registered Manila voter in 2006?
Atienza admitted accompanying Pacquiao in registering in October last year sans the fanfare that usually accompanies the latter’s moves. At that time, the Gen-San native did not express any plan of pursuing any plan of running for a government post.
“In fairness to Manny, he never told me he is interested to run as my vice mayor. All he wanted was to help me in my career. Being a long-time friend of his, we never discussed about it. The only thing I know is five years ago, he told his previous manager, Rod Nazario, that he would someday become a politician,” said the young Atienza.
“I think he is an intelligent and astute young guy of 28. His sights are not limited to the present but to the future as well. I’m quite sure he is feeling right now the physical effects of being atop the ring for the past 15 years and he knows that boxing is not forever.
“I should know. I retired from competitive taekwondo when I was 22 because of the bodily wear and tear I was feeling,” said the 34-year old son of Manila Mayor and now Liberal Party Congressional bet Joselito “Lito” Atienza. (PNA)
