The pattern of politicians

IT DID not come as a surprise when Manny Pacquiao decided to run as congressman of a district in Sarangani. For the past few years, we have observed the pattern of most Filipino politicians.

Then president Joseph “Erap” Estrada used to star in blockbuster movies before he ran for the position of vice president. Eventually he got elected as the 13th President of the Philippines. Loren Legarda was a media practitioner first before she became a senator. It is the one thing most politicians have in common: they establish their reputations in another field or profession before exposing themselves in the world of politics.

Manny Pacquiao also shares a similarity. For several years he has already proven his worth as a struggling athlete. Through boxing, he was able to make his way out of poverty and provide his family’s basic needs.

But as we all know, nothing ever stays permanent. Pacquiao’s health and wealth will eventually be depleted. At 30, he has already proven his worth as an athlete. His youth fueled him with strength people over 35 do not have anymore. Time will come and his body will refuse to respond to the quick punches thrown by his opponents in the ring.

Pacquiao must have thought about this too, because he seemed to have his Plan B already mapped out. He ran and got elected as Congressman; even though most people probably knew he lacked proper training in that profession.

As an athlete, we can say that he is, without a doubt, a credible person to look up to when it comes to boxing. But as a politician, we don’t think he is equipped with the knowledge and experience when it comes to leadership.

It may seem like an easy task to Pacquiao, but what about those people who will be under his leadership? Do they deserve to be led by someone who has little knowledge and background about the responsibility he’s taking?

Great leaders took a great deal of time preparing for their roles. Pacquiao may be a great boxer, but in order to be an effective politician, he should be properly educated. We hope people would shake off the belief that a person who does well in one field can do well in another.

After all, we don’t want another well-known-person-turned-politician to follow Erap’s footsteps. (Kathleen Pastrana)

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Sunday Essays are articles submitted by students of Ateneo de Davao University for their journalism class.