World | Philippines
Pacquiao to fight tougher round in political ring
Boxing champ gunning for congressional seat
- By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 March 18, 2010
Manila : World boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will return to Manila on Monday as an undisputed hero, a strong political endorser, and a larger than life figure with millions of fans and funds, but politicians and analysts have sized him up as a "David" facing "Goliath" in his bid for a congressional seat in Sarangani province in southern Philippines.
"I will not join Manny‘s victory motorcade when he arrives in Manila. The public should honour their hero at centre stage. That day is his, and his fans," said presidential candidate Manny Villar, called lucky by envious opponents, for having a popular endorser like Pacquiao.
Villar's restrained statement came after the Commission on Elections warned politicians against unduly capitalising on Pacquiao's popularity and their relationship with him, for electioneering purposes.
"He can join us in all other sorties nationwide," Villar, said when asked if he will have a very hectic schedule with Pacquiao.
"I will not insist on campaigning with Manny in Sarangani. For me, I'll follow what he wants. As his friend, I am happy that he wants to help me. I appreciate that," explained Villar.
Pacquiao's arrival on Monday will be four days before the start of the campaign period for local positions on March 26.
As a candidate seeking a seat at the House of Representatives, Pacquiao need not campaign nationwide.
He is the only boxer who has won seven titles in different divisions, to the pride of Filipinos and other fans worldwide.
The next opponent is himself when he decides to move from the boxing ring to the wild world of politics. Although he is sincere when he said he's running for office to help the poor because of his humble beginnings, he has been criticised for his lack of education and wit, and ridiculed for his a strong regional accent.
Predicament
Sen. Richard Gordon, a presidential candidate, analysed Pacquiao's predicament as a politician and a public endorser.
"Everyone knows Manny Villar [the presidential candidate] paid Pacquiao [to campaign]," Gordon said, adding that candidates who hire celebrities "show their weaknesses as they rely on celebrities, not on their platform as president, to get votes".
Reacting to Pacquiao's plan to run as a representative, Gordon said, "In Congress, he will be lost there. It is a different game. It is a wily place. It is full of lawyers. It is never black and white [at the House of Representatives]."
"Pacquiao would be a perfect mayor," said Gordon, adding, "He is a hands-on guy and he knows how to communicate with his people; he knows their language and he can talk with the masses."
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