Mercado: Lapid and the Pacman

EASILY the two most popular and sensational members of Congress are the Hon. Manuel Lapid of the Senate and Hon. Emmanuel Pacquiao of the House of Representatives.

The pride of Pampanga may not be as rich as the pride of Sarangani but he has the better looks. Both started out in life in pitiful circumstances. Lapid rose to be a movie action star, Manny became a champion boxer in eight divisions.

Lito excelled as a master stuntman before getting lead roles. Pacman went through the gauntlet of the ring as a punching bag before he was recognized. But he can’t tumble like the Porac idol.

At the height of their popularity the two figured in highly celebrated escapades: Lapid with actress Melanie Marquez, and the boxer with Kristel Ranillo. Pacquiao is a man of many talents but he cannot beat Lito in the women’s department. He is definitely a ladies’ man and very discreet, too.

Arguably Lapid is the better politician- he has been a vice governor, governor for three terms, and on his terminal term as senator. Both folk heroes had suffered a defeat each in politics, Lapid in the hands of then Makati mayor Binay; Pacman, by Rep. Darlene Custodio.

If Pacquiao knocked out opponents from the top contenders in the weight class he fought, Lapid has put down the bad guys in spectacular fashion. Pacman has lightning fast fist, Lapid has a stunning quick draw. Pacquiao has a killer’s instinct, Lito kills by the dozen with a .45 caliber or an Armalite.

The Pacman, however, beats Lapid in his diverse abilities as singer, movie actor, TV show host, billiard and basketball player, PBA coach, and as part time preacher. He is also a cockfighting aficionado and a known high roller in Las Vegas and local casinos.

Lapid has no known vice except his regular beer-drinking sessions with his intimate friends and close relatives.

The two celebrities are expected to engage in political adventures in 2016. Lapid will run for city mayor of Angeles while Pacquiao is pledged to run for the Senate under VP Binay’s group.

While the Pacman has former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson as his mentor, Lapid has former Rep. Tarzan Lazatin as his chief tactician.

The Pacman has been invited to be a judge in the coming Miss Universe Contest in the US. He will also be a special dinner guest of the British royal family next month. Reports had it that he has hired a skilful tutor to tame his heavy Visayan intonation with British accent. He is expected to drop his habitual “You know... you know” phraseology.

If the Sen abhors speech making, the Pacman loves to practice on the King’s English as when he delivers the ritual remarks after a fight, “you know.” The Pacman will be amazed to discover that Sen. Lapid holds the record as the 5th senator with the most bills and resolution filed. Pacquiao is a dean’s lister in absences.

The Senator’s record, however, is eclipsed by the over 900 measures filed by Cong. Tarzan who has an honorary doctorate degree from PAC. Lapid is a major in the Army Reserve Forces.

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The loving friends and colleagues of Ethel Garcia Infante of the SSP administrative staff greets her “Happy Birthday” today. Enjoy the day!

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