Sportsmen in politics

More and more pro athletes are turning to politics at the end of their playing careers to take advantage of their media visibility in translating name recall to votes. In the US, the list of former and active politicians includes former NBA cagers Mayor Dave Bing of Detroit, Mayor Kevin Johnson of Sacramento, Congressman Tom McMillen and Sen. Bill Bradley, former baseball player Sen. Jim Bunning, bodybuilder Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, wrestler Gov. Jesse Ventura and former football standouts Congressmen John Runyan, Heath Shuler, Steve Largent, Tom Osborne and Jack Kemp.

In the last Philippine elections, a slew of athletes took the polls by storm. Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao won a second term even as he continues his career as a prizefighter. Rain Or Shine coach Yeng Guiao was voted Congressman in the first district of Pampanga after serving multiple terms as Vice Governor. Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines president and former Tagaytay City Mayor Bambol Tolentino is now Congressman of the seventh district of Cavite. SBP chairman Oscar Moreno became Mayor of Cagayan de Oro, ending three terms as Governor. National archer Kit Cojuangco is Vice Governor of Tarlac. Air 21 coach Franz Pumaren booked a term as Councilor in the fourth district of Quezon City. Former La Salle high school cager Anton Capistrano, 26, is the youngest Councilor in the fourth district of Manila.

PBA veteran and TV sports analyst Jason Webb was No. 1 among eight winning Councilors in the first district of Parañaque while former PBA coach Binky Favis was No. 3 Councilor in the second district. Former La Salle varsity cager Francis Zamora was reelected Vice Mayor of San Juan. PBA veteran Mar Morelos won as Councilor in Valenzuela. Former taekwondo champion Ali Atienza was No. 1 among winning Councilors in the fifth district of Manila. Other PBA veterans who won as Councilor included Yoyong Martirez in Pasig, Christopher Baluyot in Hagonoy, Jack Santiago in Navotas and Nur Jam Alfad in Jolo.

Southwestern University basketball coach and former councilor Raul (Yayoy) Alcoseba won as No. 1 Provincial Board Member of the first district of Cebu. Former POC chairman Monico Puentevella made it as Mayor of Bacolod City. Among sports figures who lost in the elections were Richard Gomez, Ato Agustin, Willie Generalao, Tito Varela, Calvin Tuadles, Bryan Gahol, Rodney Santos, Elmer Cabahug and Joey Marquez.

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For the newly elected athletes-turned-public servants, here are 10 reminders.

• You’re under a microscope. Watch your step. Because you enjoy wide recognition in sports, you’re carefully monitored, evaluated and talked about. That only means you can’t afford to mess up. The media visibility that you took advantage of to generate votes will now work to check your every move.

• Be ready to sacrifice. You’re no longer a private citizen but a public servant. You will give up a lot of leisure time to serve your constituents.

• Learn or re-learn the ropes. For political newcomers, know the do’s and don’t’s of public service by heart. For “veterans,” it wouldn’t hurt to review the imperatives and musts to avoid. Legal procedures, government limitations and boundaries of authority must be understood carefully.

• Forget about yourself. Your No. 1 priority is to serve your constituents. As President P-Noy once said, the people are his boss. You were elected to represent your constituents and to serve them well.

• Don’t cut ties from sports. It’s sports that brought you where you are. You owe sports a debt of gratitude. People expect you to continue your involvement in sports, perhaps not as an active athlete (unless you’re Pacquiao) but as a supporter. Sports should be a priority in your political agenda.

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• Set an example. You’re a role model. As a public servant, people look up to you as their leader. What you do, how you think and whom you relate with will define who you are. If you show a strong moral fiber, your people will be inspired to do as you do.

• Stand out as a team leader. Don’t be a follower, make things happen. You wouldn’t be where you are without brains so it’s time to show your smarts. You can’t do things by yourself particularly if you represent a constituency. You’ve got to motivate others to work with you. With you as a team leader showing the way, things will get done.

• Don’t think about the next term. Forget politics and posturing for the next step in your political career. You’ve got a job to do and you were voted to do it. If you do a good job, you will be assured of a bright future in politics. The people whom you take care of will take care of you.

• Resist all forms of temptation. Never compromise your principles. There is no substitute for serving with integrity and honesty. Be strong and serve with a conscience. If there are strong temptations, remember you were voted for a purpose and that purpose wasn’t to be corrupt.

• Keep the Lord in the middle of your life. He will be your Guide. Don’t stray from the Good Word. The battlecry is to stay the course with God on your side.

Congratulations to those who won in the last elections for their mandate and to those who lost for trying to make a difference just the same.