Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Speak out: Pacquiao vs. Custodio
By Winefredo P. Eribal
Will boxer Manny Pacquiao run against South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio?
We don’t know yet.
Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007
But if they do run against each other, here’s some comparison:
--Elementary level: Pacquiao, not available; Custodio, OB Montessori, Manila, 1988.
--High school: Pacquiao, undergraduate; Custodio, OB Montessori, Manila, 1992
--College: Pacquiao, no college degree; Custodio, De la Salle University, Manila, 1996.
--Higher studies: Pacquiao, none; Custodio, Master in Culinary Arts, cordon Bleu, London, 1999.
--Profession: Pacquiao, world boxing champion; Custodio, incumbent congresswoman.
Outside the ring, I am not aware of Pacquiao ever holding a public office, not even as barangay kagawad in his province or as administrator of a small municipality.
Also, I am not aware of Pacquiao’s academic credentials that would qualify him to be a congressman of his province.
The best that I have heard about him from radio and television is his boxing exploits.
Pacquiao might be thinking that the people will be happy if he runs for congressman.
He is absolutely wrong.
Instead, he will be insulting millions of Filipinos who idolize him as a boxer.
If he wins, what will he be doing in Congress?
Or how can an elementary graduate file a bill or deliver a privilege speech there?
What Pacman does not know is that he is being lured by politicians to unseat Custodio, a political enemy of the administration in the region.
They are using him as gladiator and he is just too willing to obey his masters.
If Manny insists on running, he may well see his defeat in the political arena.
His motive maybe noble, but politics and boxing are different things.
Noble desire is not enough.
Thus, Pacman can expect criticisms from all corners of the world, some of these personal and below the belt.
That is how dirty politics is in our country.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 28, 2007 issue)
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