Monday, April 16, 2007 Nalzaro: A double victory for Pacman? By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
UNBEATEN Mexican boxer Jorge Solis now knows the meaning of defeat. This, following his knockout in the eighth round in the hands of our very own ring idol Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao during the WBC international super featherweight fight at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas last Saturday (Texas time).
Solis, also known as “Coloradito” and one of Mexico’s well-loved and favorite fighters, was undefeated in his 35 fights with two draws. But yesterday, he staggered in the canvass on two occasions after being hit by a left and right hook combination by Pacman, prompting the referee to stop the fight.
Solis’ loss, however, was not the end of his colorful career. He is still young and has a good chance of rising to fame, like some of his “kababayans” Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera and Eric Morales.
Defeating Pacquiao could have been Solis’ ticket to stardom.
I think everybody is rejoicing because of Manny’s convincing victory except perhaps for General Santos Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio, whose re-election bid is being challenge by Pacman. Will it be a double victory for Manny? Shall we say congratulations, Congressman Emmanuel Pacquiao?
Actually, I am not against artists, basketball players, boxers and members of the entertainment industry who enter politics. For one thing, we cannot underestimate their knowledge and ability. In the same token, they have to choose the particular elective position that suits their background.
In fairness, there are several artists who have done well as local chief executives, like Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos, Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista and former Caloocan mayor Rey Malonzo.
Then there are those who became members of Congress. They practically had a dismal showing. Why? Because the work of a local chief executive is different from the work of a legislator.
Local chief executives do not craft laws. They just implement ordinances passed by local legislative councils, as well programs and policies. They don’t argue and engage in a debate. Their work is like managing a company.
Legislators, on the other hand, engage in debates and argue with each other when crafting laws. And one cannot just join the discussions if he has limited knowledge of the issues or lack of communication skills.
Sen. Lito Lapid did well as governor of Pampanga and also Bong Revilla as governor of Cavite and Jinggoy Estrada as mayor of San Juan. But look at them now in the Senate.
Pacquiao is better off running for mayor of General Santos City or vice mayor of Manila (he was earlier groomed for the position).
Yes, Manny can deliver a privilege speech because he can hire a battery of speechwriters, like those congressmen who belong to the “committee on silence.” But can he answer questions and argue with those noisy and talkative congressmen during interpellations?
His speechwriters and his legal counsels cannot help him while he is on the floor.
Can you imagine Manny Pacquiao debating with former governor Pablo Garcia, a known constitutionalist and who is seeking the congressional seat in the second district of Cebu. Pagkapait kung modaog si Pacman sa Kongreso.
(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com/09182198333) “Sent via BlackBerry from Smart”
