MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is expected to decide soon on the petition of boxing champion Manny Pacquiao to form a new political party that covers General Santos City and Sarangani province, an official said yesterday.
Comelec commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer noted the petition, filed on Dec. 3, 2008, is up for resolution by the Comelec.
The petition names Emmanuel D. Pacquiao, as president of the People’s Champ Movement (PCM). It listed NLSA Road, Lagao, General Santos City as its principal headquarters.
It also names Reynaldo Constantino Jr. as executive vice president; Raul Martinez as secretary-general; Rogelio Pacquiao as treasurer, Victor James Yap as auditor; Atty. Minveles Beloncio-Gulle as legal counsel; Alexander Bryan Reganit as District 1 chairperson; Erwin Asgapo as District 2 chairperson and Dominador Lagare III as District 3 chairperson.
Ferrer added that as a rule, Pacquiao would not be able to run for any national position under PCM because his party application was only for “local political party for the city of General Santos City and Sarangani province.”
But if Pacquiao wants to run for a national post, he can do so under the banner of other parties. PCM can also amend the party’s coverage to include other areas of the country.
A Comelec source revealed that the poll body would likely approve the petition as it “finds no reason to disapprove (it).”
Meanwhile, a militant lawmaker is keeping an open mind on Pacquiao’s possible entry into politics, saying his strict discipline, passion, dedication and focus would make him one of the country’s most efficient public servants.
“Because he does his homework and serves the interest of his constituents, I can think he can be a very effective politician. Matinding (Intensive) training, matinding pag-aaral ang kailangan (intensive study is needed). Anyway, he has one year to do that. Good luck, Manny,” said Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño.
Speaker Prospero Nograles, an avid fan of the world’s greatest pound-for-pound fighter, advised him to prioritize boxing first before joining the dirty world of politics.
“One or two more big fights and running for politics would be okay. (He should) make the most of it while he is at his peak. (He should) make all the records and break the legends first (before joining politics),” the House leader suggested.
Casiño, for his part, disagreed with the position of some of his colleagues in the opposition bloc that government service is not for him.
“With due respect to my colleagues from the minority, if Manny wants to run for Congress, he has all the right to run for Congress.”
This runs counter to the call of Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros to Pacquiao not to let himself be used by politicians for their own interest and advised him to “stay out of politics.”
As far as Casiño is concerned, all Pacquiao has to do is to familiarize himself not just with parliamentary procedures, or the rules by which lawmakers are bound, but also with issues that affect his constituents as well as the national welfare. – With Delon Porcalla