Monday, May 08, 2006
Mayor Pacquiao, why not?
By Aquiles Zonio
HOW about a boxing mayor?
WBC Super Featherweight International champ Manny Pacquiao said he is not vying for the mayoral post in General Santos.
Out of respect to Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr., a close family friend of “Pacman”, he would not join in the political fray in General Santos City.
"Mayor Acharon has one more term. I have great respect for him. In the meantime, I would be running in Kiamba (Sarangani Province)," Pacquiao said in jest.
But when reporters pressed him to confirm his intention to run as mayor of Kiamba town, he said, "I am not yet declaring."
Kiamba is the hometown of Pacquiao's wife Jinkee.
Pacquiao's close aide, who asked not to be named, confirmed that last April the Filipino ring idol went to Kiamba municipal election office to register as a voter.
The Gensan boxing sensation had also purchased a property in the said town, some 90-kilometers away from this city.
Political observers here said Pacquiao could be a formidable opponent with his money, popularity, and charisma.
The same source said it was incumbent Mayor Danny Martinez of Kiamba who convinced Pacquiao to run for mayor in Kiamba.
The source further revealed that Martinez, a last termer, would be Pacquiao's running mate.
For Bisaya stories from General Santos.Click here. (This section is updated every Monday)
(May 8, 2006 issue)
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