Pacquiao political rival leads welcome rites in GenSan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY –Yesterday’s grandest hero’s welcome for Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao saw contending local politicians setting aside their differences.

General Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. and re-electionist Darlene Antonino-Custodio met with Pacquiao and his entourage at the city’s international airport, a gesture seen as "good sportsmanship."

"They shook (hands) and hugged each other… It is nice to see that they have shown their sportsmanship… it should be emulated by other politicians in the country," observed Gary Khemani, president of the General Santos City Eagles Club.

After a short meeting at the VIP lounge of the airport, the two camps resolved the dilemma of which float would be used – Pacquiao chose the float prepared by the city government. The boxing icon was accompanied in the float by his parents, Dionisia and Rosalio and his younger brother, Ruel.

Acharon, Custodio and the other political supporters used separate vehicles and tailed the float of Manny.

"I keep saying that what is going on is only part of our job and nothing personal," said Acharon during a hastily called press briefing at the Oval Plaza covered court held shortly after the motorcade.

Acharon, the wedding godfather of Pacman, said he is glad that Pacquiao had shown humility when he agreed to ride "on the float we had prepared for him."

"We really acknowledge the hardship Manny went through... that because of his excellence in the field of boxing he had brought great honor and pride to our country and fellowmen, especially to our city," said Acharon, who was very insistent that he would only attend yesterday’s arrival honors for the boxing champ if the event does not become political.

For his part, Pacquiao said that he overruled the decision of his advisers that he take the float prepared by members of the People’s Champ Movement.

Lawyer Jeng Gacal, Pacquiao’s campaign manager and legal adviser, earlier planned the champion’s homecoming parade to be a "political activity" since it was to be the opening salvo of Pacquiao’s campaign.

"As you can see," Pacquiao said "I did not wear the shirt that my supporters and fans and political party mates wanted me to wear."

The Pacman added he preferred to ride on the city government’s float because the organizers had really exerted more effort and money in the preparation.

"My only purpose in riding the float is to have an opportunity to see my fans and fellow constituents and thank them for their prayers for victory in my fight against Mexican Jorge Solis," Pacquiao said.

He also emphasized that the coming elections is only temporary and that the good relationship of political leaders in the area must be given importance.

"Just like at the end of the boxing fight," Pacquiao said " I and Congresswoman Darlene will show respect for the decision of the electorate and we will continue to support each other for the good and development of the area."

He also assured that he would respect whatever the outcome of the elections. For her part, Custodio said "we are just like applicants of a certain job in a company and whoever will be hired must be recognized by the people."

After the short presentation at the Oval Plaza covered court, the Pacman left for South Cotabato’s 1st district – Tampakan, Tupi and Polomolok – where his political supporters were waiting for their formal oath taking. Pacquiao, who is running for congressman under the Lakas-Kampi, presided over the oath-taking.

Rodolfo Pascual, chair of the PCM, estimated that over a hundred thousand Pacquiao’s supporters participated in the caravan, which started at the city’s international airport.

He also claimed that more than a thousand vehicles also joined the motorcade as far as the last town of the first congressional district.

Congressional spouse

"If fate would allow it, I’ll be ready for my role as a congressman’s wife."

This was the reply of Jinkee Pacquiao to The STAR after she was asked if she was prepared to be a congressman’s spouse, if ever.

"As a wife, I support his vision, his compassion for the poor," the 27-year-old Jinky said of her husband’s next fight after knocking out Solis in the boxing ring last Sunday. This time, Pacman will test his strength in the election arena.

She said she believes in the sincerity and commitment of Pacquiao to serve the constituents of South Cotabato’s first district, which he hopes to represent in Congress under President Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) political party.

Jinkee said her husband had always wanted to help the poor and reach out to them, and he believes that the best way to do this is to bring in more infrastructure and development projects to generate more investments, livelihood and employment opportunities.

"Naisip kasi niya na pag maraming investment, posibleng mag-resulta ito ng dagdag na mga negosyo, dagdag na mga trabaho at dagdag na income para sa mga basic services tulad ng health at education (Manny says that more investments will bring in more businesses, jobs, and income for basic services.), "Jinky told The STAR in a phone interview.

Pacquiao’s political opponent, Antonino-Custodio, comes from a family that has dominated South Cotabato politics for two decades.

Jinkee vehemently denied that Malacañang had a hand in Pacquiao’s decision to run.

"It was purely my husband’s decision. Walang kinalaman ang Malacañang. Gusto lang niya talagang makatulong sa mga tao (Malacañang had nothing to do with it. He just wants to help the people.) " she said.

Jinkee said she and Manny arrived at around 8:45 a.m. at the city’s international airport on a private airplane. – with Ramil Bajo