Pacman urged to run for senator, not congressman

MANILA, Philippines – How about being called Senator Pacman, instead of Congressman Pacman?

Former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr., Lakas-Kampi arbitration committee chairman, suggested yesterday that Filipino boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao should run for senator in next year’s elections.

“If he seeks a Senate seat, with his national exposure and popularity, he will be a sure winner,” Pichay said in a Quezon City news forum.

“If he runs for congressman of Sarangani against a member of the influential and wealthy Chiongbian family, he is not sure of victory. He could lose again,” he said.

Pacquiao has transferred residence and his voter registration from General Santos City in South Cotabato to nearby Sarangani province in preparation for a second congressional run.

He built a mansion in Sarangani, whose incumbent representative, Erwin Chiongbian, is on his third and last term. Another Chiongbian is expected to seek Erwin’s seat. Erwin took over from another Chiongbian, Victor, who served for three terms. The Chiongbians, who are administration allies, are into shipping and other businesses.

Pichay, a former three-term congressman, said Pacquiao should learn his lesson in politics from his defeat in 2007 to Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio of the first district of South Cotabato, which includes General Santos City.

“Politics in the district is different. People vote for you because you have built a road, a water system, a school, a multi-purpose pavement, or some other projects in their communities, or have helped them in some other way. They will not vote for you because you are popular,” he said.

He said the Antoninos have helped a lot of their constituents over the years.

“That’s why they defeated Pacman,” he added.

Darlene’s mother was a former three-term congresswoman, while her father was a mayor of General Santos City.

“Perhaps, the Chiongbians are a stronger opponent than the Antoninos. They are definitely more moneyed and can match Pacman’s $40-million earnings last year,” he said.

He said if, on the other hand, Pacquiao seeks a Senate seat, his nationwide popularity and high awareness rating would get him elected.

“In 2007, I started with a 4.9-percent approval rating and awareness of 45 percent. Because of television and radio ads, my ratings shot up to 40 percent for approval and 99 percent for popularity shortly before the elections. I nearly made it,” he recalled.

“A senatorial run is largely a popularity game,” he added.

Pichay admitted that if Pacquiao takes his unsolicited advice, Sarangani would be removed from his list of “conflict areas” where he would have to arbitrate disputes among administration allies.

A congressman who was a guest at the forum said if Pacquiao wins a Senate seat, “he would be in good company.”

“Since he is a budding actor, he will join several showbiz colleagues in the Senate,” he said.

Showbiz personalities in the Senate include Lito Lapid, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. 

“There are several others in the Senate who are aspiring actors and actresses. You see them frequently on television,” said the congressman, who did not want to be named.