'Pacquiao can't run for Senate due to age'

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is not qualified to run for the Senate in next year’s elections, Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said yesterday.

“Manny was born on Dec. 17, 1978 and is therefore less than 35 years old on May 10, 2010 and not qualified to run for senator. The minimum age for a senatorial candidate under the Constitution is 35,” he said.

Barzaga was reacting to former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr.’s suggestion for Pacquiao to seek a Senate seat instead of running for congressman in Saranggani province, where he has built a mansion and transferred his voter registration.

Barzaga belongs to pro-administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD coalition where Pichay chairs the arbitration committee.

“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 last week.

But Barzaga does not share Pichay’s view, saying Pacquiao could lose for the second time.

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

Saranggani’s incumbent representative is Erwin Chiongbian, who is on his third and last term.

Another Chiongbian is expected to seek his relative’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 lessons 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 former mayor of General Santos City.

Pichay said Pacquiao would have to contend with the same length of public service that the Chiongbians have rendered and the projects they have brought to their province.