Thursday, February 15, 2007 Lawmakers doubt Pacquiao can win in elections
* Antonino unfazed by competition posed by boxing champ
HE MAY be called the "People's Champ" but Manny Pacquiao's victory in politics does not necessarily follow.
This was the observation made by some members of the House of Representatives in reaction to Pacquiao's attempt to join politics and seek a congressional seat in the May 14 elections.
Pro-administration Representative Bienvenido Abante of Manila said he echoes the sentiments made by Pacquiao's supporters asking him to reconsider his plan to joint politics as it would not do him any good, either in his boxing and political career.
But if Pacquiao would insist on getting into politics, Abante said it is about time for the boxing champ to include "brain exercises" in his regular rigid training for his upcoming boxing bout this April.
Aside from doing the rigid training, Pacquiao must also engage himself in "healthy and intellectual public debates" which he will need when he is in Congress.
Joining politics, according to Abante, is not a mere popularity contest thus Pacquiao needs a lot of training to do but this time not in the boxing ring.
Abante clarified that he is not belittling Pacquiao's capacity to serve the people through politics. He is only concerned about the boxing hero and to tell him that the job in Congress is "highly difficult and sensitive as well."
He expressed doubt that Pacquiao's entry in politics would affect his boxing career.
Muntinlupa City Representative Ruffy Biazon and Parañaque City Representative Roilo Golez shared Abante's sentiments that politics would only ruin Pacquiao's stature as a modern day boxing hero.
Pacquiao, who was first considered as a vice mayoralty candidate in Manila then a mayoralty candidate in General Santos City has decided to seek a congressional seat representing South Cotabato.
He is challenging incumbent South Cotabato Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio, an opposition legislator who is in her second term now.
Meanwhile, Custodio said Pacquiao might regret his decision to enter politics and that she is not afraid to face him.
Custodio said despite the popularity of Pacquiao, there will be no change in her campaign strategy from her past foray in politics in 2001 and 2004. "I am not threatened by his candidacy since I know I did a good job for my constituents. I am not a disappointment to them," said the diminutive representative when interviewed after emerging from a meeting of the United Opposition (UNO) in Makati city.
"We will use the same strategy that I utilized in the 2001 and 2004 elections wherein we presented to the people our platform and legislation that we hope to pass once we win the election. There will be no variation though I think I might be a little more hardworking during the campaign," Custodio said.
She welcomed Pacquiao's candidacy since it is everybody's right to run for an elective post. (DBP/AH/Sunnex)
