Tuesday, March 06, 2007 'Pacman' won't abandon political bid: lawyer By Bong S. Sarmiento
BOXING icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao is not abandoning his ambitions to pursue a political career, his lawyer clarified.
Lawyer Franklin Gacal issued the clarification after Manila Mayor Lito Atienza reportedly claimed that the boxer would not anymore run for congressman in the first district of South Cotabato.
Other reports reaching this city said that Pacquiao has been having second thoughts whether to pursue his foray in the political arena.
Upon orders of Pacquaio, Gacal told reporters here that his client has not come up with a decision to quit politics.
Gacal said Atienza was quoted out of context that led to rumors spinning out of bounds. "What Mayor Atienza was saying was that Manny should forget politics for the meantime and concentrate on his upcoming fight on April 14," the lawyer said.
Pacquiao is set to fight Mexican Jorge Solis in Texas, United States.
"After the fight, it's the time for him to concentrate on his political aspiration," Gacal said.
Gacal said he spoke with Pacquiao on Monday and the latter told him he was not giving up his political bid.
The 28-year-old boxer is up against reelectionist opposition stalwart Representative Darlene Antonino Custodio of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC).
But it will be a three-cornered congressional fight with former Polomolok mayor Jordan Reyes recently announcing his bid to seek the post.
The first district covers this city and the towns of Polomolok, Tupi, and Tampakan, all in South Cotabato province.
Gacal said the boxer's camp has talked with possible candidates for mayor and vice mayors in this city and in the towns of the first district.
But the lawyer declined to identify them, saying, "it's too early and premature to disclose them."
Gacal said Pacquiao will also support a gubernatorial candidate in South Cotabato. He though did not name the said candidate.
Pacquiao earlier joined the Liberal Party-wing of Atienza, a close supporter of the Arroyo administration.
"The Pacquiao political team will have a complete slate during the filing of candidacy," Gacal said.
The deadline for filing a candidacy for the local elections is set on March 29.
Pacquiao earlier said his personal agenda is inclined towards helping more children to finish schooling, an aspiration he failed to achieve because of poverty.
Despite failing to finish the elementary grade, Pacquiao, whose ambition is to become a lawyer, has acquired college eligibility after passing the placement examinations given by the Department of Education.
The local business sector has expressed opposition to Pacquiao's political bid, saying he lacked experience in running government affairs as well as due to his low educational achievement.
