By Jake Donovan
Manny Pacquiao added his name to yet another recent news headline after formalizing plans for reelection in the Sarangani province of the Philippines.
The ex-champion and current congressman filed his Certificate of Candidacy at the Commission on Elections office on Tuesday afternoon, according to overseas reports. Pacquiao’s wife, Jinkee was also present as she plans to run as Vice Governor of Sarangani, a move that surprised many according to a report from the Philippines Star.
Pacquiao was elected as congressman of Sarangani in 2010 during his second bid for public office. His first attempt came in 2007, when he ran for congress in the 1st District of South Cobatato, a seat now being pursued by Pacquiao’s younger brother Roel.
The COC filing makes his plans official of intending to retain his congressional seat. By the time the May 2013 election rolls around, Pacquiao will be five months removed from a fourth fight with longtime rival Juan Manuel Marquez.
Pacquiao leads the series 2-0-1, but has yet to put together a convincing enough performance to suggest any sort of superiority. Their last meeting came last November, with Pacquiao taking a disputed majority decision that was booed by the sold-out crowd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The fourth fight will take place at the very same venue on December 8. No major belt will be at stake.
Cries of a stale matchup fell on deaf ears following a recent report of more than 13,000 tickets already sold after one weekend at the box office. A sold-out arena is once again expected, as was the case for the second and third fights.
Pacquiao’s ring career is uncertain beyond December, as is his political future beyond next May.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
