KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Johnny Abarrientos, the "flying A" of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and a "legend" in his own right, has something to tell boxing icon Manny Pacquiao before he decides to enter politics.

"He must continue learning. Study the parliamentary procedures. Study the laws. This is very important if you want to be a member of the Congress," said Abarrientos during a press briefing in this city for their Summer Basketball Challenge for Peace tournament.

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But if given the chance to talk with Pacquiao, Abarrientos said he would convince the icon to stay away from politics.

Abarrientos arrived here Tuesday night, together with other PBA legends, including Nelson Asaytono, Bonnel Balingit, Vergel Meneses, Joey Santamaria, Jun Limpot, and Al Solis, to challenge a group of professional basketball players from Central Mindanao.

"He [Pacquiao] can better serve the people by not joining politics," said Abarrientos.

The "Flying A" told reporters here that when he was at his heyday or "peak of his career," many had convinced him to enter politics. "But as always, I always refused those invitations," recounted Abarrientos.

Pacquiao has become every Filipino's idol because of his rise from poverty -- from a street vendor to the man widely regarded as the world's best pound-for-pound boxer.

He now ranks as the most popular Philippine athlete ever.

Reports said that Pacquiao is again eyeing a seat at the House of Representatives.

Pacquiao, however, has not said anything about running in 2010 elections.

"People think you will win because you are popular. But Manny, despite his popularity, lost in 2007 elections. Maybe that was because people do not want their 'idol' to be part of the Philippine politics," Abarrientos said.