Pacquiao braces for next ‘fight’

Still basking in his latest victory in the boxing ring, Manny Pacquiao is all set for the next fight of his life – local politics.

Pacquiao said his victory over Mexican challenger Jorge Solis allowed him to focus on his congressional bid in his hometown of General Santos City against Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio of the prominent political clan.

He said his performance in the ring also showed that he would be able to stand the rigors of politics, particularly lawmaking. At the same time, he said Filipino fans who had opposed his political plans may now have a change of heart after his victory over Solis.

Pacquiao updated reporters on his political plans after his courtesy call on President Arroyo at Malacañang yesterday morning.

"My heart tells me to serve. Sometimes I wish we can trade hearts so that you will know how I feel," he said.

When asked if it might be harder to defeat Custodio than Solis, Pacquiao said his foray into politics was a different fight.

"My boxing is for the country’s honor but this political fight, it will be the people who will choose. Let’s respect the people who will vote and choose their leaders whom they think will bring progress to their district," he said.

In a statement, Mrs. Arroyo again hailed the latest ring conquest of Pacquiao who, she said, "has once again brought victory and pride to the nation."

"His physical strength is matched by a tenacious will to uplift his countrymen with every win. We welcome him home as the people’s idol and this generation’s shining light," Mrs. Arroyo said.

The President also said that she and her family were "touched" by the concern shown by Pacquiao for First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, who is recuperating at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City after undergoing major heart surgery last April 9. Pacquiao earlier said he and his family had prayed hard for Mr. Arroyo’s immediate recovery.

"Like all Filipinos, Pacquiao’s victory raised the morale of his friend, Atty. Mike. Friends close to the First Family continue to pray and hope that the boxer’s victory is a fitting metaphor for Atty. Mike’s own battle for a speedy recovery and good health," she added.

Another champ

Manila city officials led by Mayor Lito Atienza welcomed Pacquiao and another victorious Filipino boxer Bernabe Concepcion upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II early yesterday morning.

But Pacquiao drew most of the welcomers’ attention with Concepcion – still clutching his championship belt – nearly fading into the crowd had it not been for an alert airport personnel who promptly guided the relatively unknown boxer to the official motorcade that was to go to the Manila Hotel.

Concepcion brought home $12,500 or almost P500,000 for successfully defending his WBC Youth super bantamweight crown against American fighter Benjamin Flores.

Victory parade

It was a mix-up of a victory parade and a political motorcade, but hundreds of Manila residents still came out in droves to see their boxing idol – surrounded by politicians.

The motorcade toured the six districts of Manila starting from the Bonifacio Shrine in Lawton to Manila Zoo. The parade started at 10 a.m. and lasted until 4 p.m.

"There were much, much more people this time than before. The people wildly cheered for him. It was warm welcome just like before. People from different streets were showering him with confetti," Atienza said.

He said the crowd turnout would have been bigger had it not been for the summer heat.

With Atienza in the motorcade was his son and mayoralty candidate Ali. The mayor admitted Pacquiao was campaigning for Ali, but he said there was nothing wrong with it since the two were close friends.

In fact, Pacquiao even asked Ali to be a godfather to his newly born daughter Mary Divine Grace. At a press conference at the city hall before the motorcade, Pacquiao called Ali "the next Manila mayor."

Pacquiao said the mayor has been a patron since his early boxing years.

Sought for comment on his lack of experience in legislating, he said what’s important is that he "only thinks of what is best for the people."

He said even the lawmakers themselves hire the services of lawyers or advisers in crafting bills.

Not quitting boxing

Pacquiao said he will not quit boxing even if he wins in the congressional elections.

"I do not let fame go to my head, the Lord knows that," he said.

"Boxing did not just put me to fame. It also made me realize how many people are in need. I guess the Lord showed me this path, so I can help my people," he said.

Pacquiao said his next bout – possibly in October – would be against Juan Manuel Marquez or Marco Antonio Barrera of Mexico or Joan Guzman of Dominican Republic.

He said he would finance his election campaign through his friends’ donations, saying his prize money went to his wife Jinkee.

He said he would try to improve the infrastructure in his hometown.

"The only thing new in General Santos is my mansion," he said in jest.

In General Santos City, Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. and other city officials will not join today’s motorcade for the boxing legend.

Franklin Gacal Jr., Pacquiao’s campaign manager, said the boxing champion’s camp decided to run the show and limit the role of city officials.

"What will happen today in the homecoming of Manny will depend on the decision of Pacquiao," Gacal said.

Gacal pointed out that city officials, led by Acharon, will only meet Pacquiao at the tarmac of the city’s international airport for the perfunctory greetings and handshakes and other niceties.

Reynaldo Constantino, a political ally of Pacman, also said the People’s Champ Movement (PCM) contingent from the different barangays of the congressional district will no longer follow the itinerary prepared by the city government.

"The boxing champ will not also use the float donated by the city government for him to ride," said Constantino, the first mayoralty candidate to get Pacquiao’s endorsement.

Based on the PCM plan, joining Pacquiao on his float are four PCM mayoralty candidates.

In the evening, after the motorcade, Pacquiao will attend Mass at the Sto. Niño Parish Church in Barangay Bula, a known bailiwick of re-electionist Custodio. Pacquiao, according to Constantino, decided to plan his own motorcade because the "city government was hesitant."

Earlier, Acharon said the city government was actually preparing a grand welcome for Pacquiao.

"It’s okay if that is their plan," said Ernesto Quisay, Acharon’s chief of staff, when told of the change of plans.

The Filipino boxing idol is expected to arrive at the General Santos City International Airport at around 8:30 a.m. on a commercial flight. - with Michael Punongbayan, John Paul Jubelag