Short of saying that Manny Pacquiao was ill-advised in his move to enter politics, Mexican fighter Erik Morales told a handful of Filipino mediamen on Friday that Pacquiao can lend a hand to his constituents even without going into politics.
“You can provide more help to the people when you are on the outside,” said Morales, who revealed that he had also been approached by people in his native Tijuana to run for public office.
Morales spoke in English but he still had to ask for help from Filipino sportscaster Dyan Castillejo, who speaks fluent Spanish, for translating some sensitive statements.
Morales bared that he had been approached a few times to seek public office in Baja California to help improve the lives of his people.
Still, Morales said that he is very much involved in lending a helping hand even if he is not an elected official.
Morales has strong links with organizations handling health problems, the athletes’ welfare and even the environment.
“I spend time with the people who run these organizations and if I am a congressman in my place, I cannot afford to spend one whole day with everyone of them, ” said Morales.
“In my place, we have a problem of obesity among children, I also assist other athletes in their training aside from my stand for a healthy environment, ” he said.
“Aside from my people in boxing, I have different groups of people who handle other matters, ” said Morales, who is in Manila as part of his contract with San Miguel Beer.
“As far as I am concerned, you can help even without getting into politics, ” added Morales.
But Pacquiao has other things in mind.
A few days ago, his lawyer, Franklin Gacal, filed his certificate of candidacy for congressman in the first district of South Cotabato.
The reason behind his decision to run is for funds to reach his province, according to Pacquiao, who will be up against incumbent Darlene Antonino-Custodio in the May 14 polls.
Pacquiao is currently training in Los Angeles.
“I want to improve the lives of my provincemates, that’s all, ” said Pacquiao, who faces Mexican Jorge Solis at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on April 14.
Pacquiao said that once elected, the administration will help him bring about improvements in his hometown of General Santos City and in the towns of Polomolok, Tampakan and Tupi.
