Saturday, February 17, 2007 Youth group to Pacman: Stay away from politics
YOUTHS regard champion boxer Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao as their idol in sports, but not in politics, and, thus, it's best if he stays off politics manned by people who are obviously just out to use him as a campaign machinery and nothing else, a youth party-list group said.
In a statement, Kabataan party-list vice president for Mindanao Karla Hyasmind Apat said Pacquiao has been an icon for the youth to emulate, as he unites the Filipino people everytime he wins a fight and brings honor to the country.
"We would want him to stay as the People's Champ, because he really is an inspiration for the youth.
However, we believe that his entering politics would really cause disappointment on our part," Apat said.
The group believes that Pacquiao's fame is being taken advantage of by administration politicians whose only desire is to stay in a position of power.
"We are sure that administration candidates would swarm over the famed boxer just so he could raise their hands as a sign of endorsement," Apat said.
And though Kabataan recognizes Pacquiao's pure intentions to serve the people, especially the youth, of General Santos by providing them with education, Apat said they could not support his political endeavor adding that they would help Pacquaio's cause in some other way. (Press release)
