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Boxing hero seeks Comelec approval
By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:43:00 05/05/2009
Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Boxing, Politics, Pacquiao
MANILA, Philippines—From ring glory back to the treacherous world of politics.
In a move that may well catapult him to Congress next year, Manny Pacquiao is parlaying his enormous popularity as a boxing champion—boosted by his electrifying knockout of British Ricky “the Hitman” Hatton last weekend—into a political movement.
Emmanuel Pacquiao in real life, the ring icon has formally petitioned the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to accredit his organization—called the People’s Champ Movement—as a “local political party.”
As a “local” party, the People’s Champ Movement (PCM) is fielding candidates only for local positions in General Santos City and Sarangani province—all but confirming widespread speculation that Pacquiao would seek a seat in the House of Representatives, or maybe run for mayor, in the 2010 elections.
Pacquiao crashed in his first venture into politics in 2007.
Many of his supporters have urged Pacquiao to stay away from politics and save himself from the taint often attached to politicians.
“People’s Champ” was the moniker given Pacquiao by the House in a resolution last year.
Poll commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer yesterday said Pacquiao’s petition for accreditation was filed by his party’s counsel, Minveles Beloncio-Gulle, last December and heard by the Comelec last week. Ferrer refused to say when the commission would rule on the petition.
“One of us asked the counsel, ‘Is this Manny Pacquiao, the boxer?’ She said, ‘Yes, sir,’” Ferrer said.
Go easy
A senior Comelec official present at the hearing said it appeared Pacquiao’s registration documents were in order and there seemed no apparent reason for the poll body to nix his petition.
Some lawmakers are also urging Pacquiao to think twice before entering the political ring next year.
“One or two more big fights and running for politics would be OK. He should make the most of [boxing] while he is in his peak, make all the records and break the legends first,” House Speaker Prospero Nograles said in a text message from the United States.
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teodoro Casiño said it was up to Pacquiao to decide whether he should turn his back on boxing or dive into politics, either as a congressman or mayor in Sarangani.
Casiño said his only advice to Pacquiao was to train for the rigors of politics, especially lawmaking, with the same dedication he gave in training for his fights because public office required a serious effort.
Up to the people
Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez said it was up to the people whether they would like Pacquiao to continue building his legend as a boxer or become a political leader. Golez doubted if he could remain a top boxer while being also a politician.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel said Pacquiao should just turn his fame into making himself a statesman for Filipinos worldwide, and his boxing skills into becoming a mentor to aspiring Filipino boxers.
Beware of politicians
“Pacman is idolized by millions of Filipinos, especially our youth, because of his strength and endurance. Many would be disillusioned if he taints his real power—the unique capacity to unite the people—by entering politics,” Baraquel said.
Baraquel also advised Pacquiao to be wary of being used by politicians for their own vested interests.
Several lawmakers noted that Pacquiao’s fight with Hatton had been used by some government officials as a vehicle to help their candidacies in 2010.
According to Pacquiao’s petition, PCM was founded on Sept. 4, 2008, in General Santos City.
“The petitioner is not a religious sect or denomination. It pursues its objective through suffrage. It maintains true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the Philippines, obeys all laws and legal orders promulgated by duly constituted authorities,” the petition said.
“It does not advocate violence as a means to achieve its goals. It is not supported by nor does it directly or indirectly receive support whatsoever or accept financial contribution from any foreign government, or any of its agency or institution.”
Party president
Pacquiao, who signed the affidavit, is the party president. Reynaldo Constantino Jr. is executive vice president and Raul C. Martinez as secretary general.
As a local party, PCM can only field candidates for local posts in General Santos and Sarangani, Ferrer said. If PCM wants to field candidates for national posts, it has to register again with the Comelec, he said. With a report from Gil Cabacungan Jr.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquire...olitical-party
By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:43:00 05/05/2009
Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Boxing, Politics, Pacquiao
MANILA, Philippines—From ring glory back to the treacherous world of politics.
In a move that may well catapult him to Congress next year, Manny Pacquiao is parlaying his enormous popularity as a boxing champion—boosted by his electrifying knockout of British Ricky “the Hitman” Hatton last weekend—into a political movement.
Emmanuel Pacquiao in real life, the ring icon has formally petitioned the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to accredit his organization—called the People’s Champ Movement—as a “local political party.”
As a “local” party, the People’s Champ Movement (PCM) is fielding candidates only for local positions in General Santos City and Sarangani province—all but confirming widespread speculation that Pacquiao would seek a seat in the House of Representatives, or maybe run for mayor, in the 2010 elections.
Pacquiao crashed in his first venture into politics in 2007.
Many of his supporters have urged Pacquiao to stay away from politics and save himself from the taint often attached to politicians.
“People’s Champ” was the moniker given Pacquiao by the House in a resolution last year.
Poll commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer yesterday said Pacquiao’s petition for accreditation was filed by his party’s counsel, Minveles Beloncio-Gulle, last December and heard by the Comelec last week. Ferrer refused to say when the commission would rule on the petition.
“One of us asked the counsel, ‘Is this Manny Pacquiao, the boxer?’ She said, ‘Yes, sir,’” Ferrer said.
Go easy
A senior Comelec official present at the hearing said it appeared Pacquiao’s registration documents were in order and there seemed no apparent reason for the poll body to nix his petition.
Some lawmakers are also urging Pacquiao to think twice before entering the political ring next year.
“One or two more big fights and running for politics would be OK. He should make the most of [boxing] while he is in his peak, make all the records and break the legends first,” House Speaker Prospero Nograles said in a text message from the United States.
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teodoro Casiño said it was up to Pacquiao to decide whether he should turn his back on boxing or dive into politics, either as a congressman or mayor in Sarangani.
Casiño said his only advice to Pacquiao was to train for the rigors of politics, especially lawmaking, with the same dedication he gave in training for his fights because public office required a serious effort.
Up to the people
Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez said it was up to the people whether they would like Pacquiao to continue building his legend as a boxer or become a political leader. Golez doubted if he could remain a top boxer while being also a politician.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel said Pacquiao should just turn his fame into making himself a statesman for Filipinos worldwide, and his boxing skills into becoming a mentor to aspiring Filipino boxers.
Beware of politicians
“Pacman is idolized by millions of Filipinos, especially our youth, because of his strength and endurance. Many would be disillusioned if he taints his real power—the unique capacity to unite the people—by entering politics,” Baraquel said.
Baraquel also advised Pacquiao to be wary of being used by politicians for their own vested interests.
Several lawmakers noted that Pacquiao’s fight with Hatton had been used by some government officials as a vehicle to help their candidacies in 2010.
According to Pacquiao’s petition, PCM was founded on Sept. 4, 2008, in General Santos City.
“The petitioner is not a religious sect or denomination. It pursues its objective through suffrage. It maintains true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the Philippines, obeys all laws and legal orders promulgated by duly constituted authorities,” the petition said.
“It does not advocate violence as a means to achieve its goals. It is not supported by nor does it directly or indirectly receive support whatsoever or accept financial contribution from any foreign government, or any of its agency or institution.”
Party president
Pacquiao, who signed the affidavit, is the party president. Reynaldo Constantino Jr. is executive vice president and Raul C. Martinez as secretary general.
As a local party, PCM can only field candidates for local posts in General Santos and Sarangani, Ferrer said. If PCM wants to field candidates for national posts, it has to register again with the Comelec, he said. With a report from Gil Cabacungan Jr.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquire...olitical-party
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