Pacquiao Art by Justino Magalona
Related Articles
- MANNY SIMPLY CAN'T WIN AGAINST MONEY
- ROAD BACK FROM DALLAS: POST PACQUIAO-CLOTTEY PONDERINGS
- PHILIPPINE MEDIA BANNED FROM INTERVIEWING FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. IN LA
So Manny Pacquiao is now on the campaign trail to be the congressman of Saranggani Province- his wife's home province.
I've been asked quite a few times what I thought of Pacquiao's decision to try his hand again for public office and whether I thought he'd win.
Here's what I got to say. Don't worry, I'm not going to bore you with political grandstanding or pretend I know the ins and outs of Philippine politics. I'm going to break it down from a man off the street's standpoint.
I think Pacquiao would be a GREAT public servant.
His heart beats for the people. He truly cares about the poor and has given back since day one. On that note alone, he already beats out a lot of people running in the upcoming May elections who's primary goal is power, money and personal gain.
Think about it. Pacquiao has all the power he needs already. He is after all considered the Philippines' National Treasure. The man walks on water when he's back home. From sports, to the military, to the church and his political ties as it is, Pacquiao is definitely one of the most influential Filipinos that ever lived. He can't turn water to wine but it's close. One thing's for sure, he already has his country at his feet, willing to bend to his every wish.
In terms of money and personal gain? Pacquiao can make a billion pesos for 12 rounds of doing what he does best. If anything, the only gain he truly gets are new challenges which Pacquiao seem to have embraced all his life. His life would be so much easier if he just kept to himself, stayed away from politics and enjoy his wealth with his family.
But see, the guy simply wasn't built like that. You got boxers who want to be carried to the ring in their entrances on a throne by fake Roman soldiers. You got guys who's heads get swollen and forget where they come from. And you have guys like Pacquiao.
Pacquiao would rather wash his brother's feet rather than have them kiss his. Granted, not everyone is perfect, but nobody can say Pacquiao has not given back to his community. In fact, a lot even say that he's giving too much. It must be his fear of God and religious beliefs that pulls him back or perhaps his personal experiences growing up in poverty, but whatever reasons he has for being as compassionate as he is to his less fortunate countrymen, it's something a lot of politicians seem to forget after campaign season or simply never had in them to begin with.
For that reason alone, he's already a cut above the rest.
Art by: Tim Saguinsin of Rice Cooker Studios
But there's also cause for some concern. Might Pacquiao be too nice? Based on how he's dealt with some of the people around him and having some several clowns run free to exploit his fame for their personal gain, it begs to ask the question, "Can Pacquiao make the tough decisions and govern fairly without favoring his friends and political allies"? He may not be corrupt himself, but allowing people around him to do so and enabling them, is pretty much the same thing. It almost seems like Pacquiao looks to please everyone he can, in politics, that's definitely the hardest and the wrong thing to do. Can Pacquiao put his constituents first at all times?
As a legislator, I also wondered how effective Pacquiao would be. So I did my research and stumbled upon one of Indiana's most respected U.S. House Representatives, Lee H. Hamilton from Indiana's 9th district (January 3, 1965 – January 3, 1999) and this is what he had to say.
First, to be an effective legislator, a congressman must study and seek advice on a mind-boggling array of issues. Our society often rewards very specific expertise - in medicine, law, and other professions. But Members of Congress need to be generalists, understanding something about almost everything — stem cell research, global warming, commodity programs, missile defense, and much, much more. There would be no end to the criticism that would ensue should a Member of Congress fail to have an informed response to a question asked by a constituent, or not be able to speak to an issue raised by a journalist during an interview. One of the toughest aspects of the job is simply learning enough about very complex issues to intelligently make up your mind on several hundred difficult votes each year. You can't vote "maybe"; you must vote "yes" or "no".
Second, a congressman is expected to be an advocate - for individuals, groups and communities in his/her district, from assisting someone with their social security disability claim to helping a community obtain funding for a new road or bridge. I remember one time helping an entire town move several miles so it would no longer be threatened by floods. Given the increased size and activity of government, service to constituency groups is much more extensive now than is used to be. In fact, Members of Congress often complain that the need to serve as an advocate for constituents in their dealings with all levels of government is crowding out the time needed to do their legislative work.
Third, a congressman is also an educator and a communicator, translating the work of Congress and the complexities of modern issues to constituents, and listening to them. To be effective in this role, a Member of Congress needs to establish a rapport with all types of people - factory workers and CEOs, senior citizens, homemakers, and students. I do not know of another job that puts you in closer touch with more kinds of people than the job of a Member of Congress. A congressman must also be a good listener. I very quickly learned that no matter what the subject, some constituent would know more about it than I did if I took the time to hear them out.
Fourth, a congressman must perform the ceremonial function, serving the dual role of "ambassador" from the nation's capital and local dignitary. In this role a Member of Congress could fill 365 days a year attending community events and ceremonial functions at home. The invitations never stop coming, and Members are keenly aware that every invitation declined invites disappointment and criticism that their priorities may not be in the right place.
Finally, the most effective congressmen also act as consensus builders. Whether it is in congressional committees drafting legislation or in town meetings back home, the role of a Member of Congress is to provide political leadership to reconcile differing points of view and to bring about progress when the debate has gone on long enough. Controversy and conflict are unavoidable in a nation as large and diverse as the United States. Politicians keep the country going by accommodating different points of view and developing consensus. It really does take a lot of skills to be an effective congressman, but the skill of bringing people together, finding agreed-upon solutions to our nation's problems, is perhaps the greatest skill of all. Without that skill the country would come apart at the seams.
With the info I gathered, if Pacquiao truly wanted to be the best congressman he can be for his constituents, it almost means an end to his boxing career. Just the time and effort in itself that he has to invest in politics almost makes it sound impossible to pull off multiple careers. Definitely say goodbye to singing in concerts, TV and acting-- that is if he truly wants to help out and be the best public servant he can be. Politics is different from entertainment. Those tricks in his bag can help him during his campaign, but it won't help him become an effective House Representative.
At the end of the day, if I were Pacquiao, I would've finished off my boxing career first and whatever else I want to do on the side before jumping into politics. 2014 sounds more sensible to me. I'm not Pacquiao though so that's not my problem.
Will he win?
I really don't know.
I've gotten mixed reviews from political experts and "poltical experts". I got a few saying he has no shot of winning, and some saying he might be able to pull it off. Will I vote for Pacquiao if I were one of his constituents? Sure. Why not? Especially if the other party hasn't really done much for my province. But do I think this is a wise move for Pacquiao? Only time will tell. One thing I know however is that 'haste makes waste'.
(click photo for more of 'Art's works')
Dennis "D Source" Guillermo is a freelance sportswriter. You can contact him through e-mail at dennisguillermo2@yahoo.com. (Artwork by: Art Garcia)
INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN SPORTS (Click on the photos for the full gallery and slideshow)
.jpg)
CHECK OUT THIS PHOTO GALLERY OF THE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN IN MMA (CLICK THIS LINK)
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER!!!
Comments
I think pacquiao should stick on boxing, someone peoples should look up too, and he should not taint himself and make things worst in politics... bang!
D'Source, should Manny win, he arrived at a particularly bad time in Congress. Which is if his anointed one Manuel Villar doesn't win. Since its turning out that the latter is also endorsed by the outgoing administration, a general consensus points to rough sailing for a Noynoy Aquino presidency.
I may be getting ahead, but as soon as Congressman Manny takes his oath, don't expect his political opponents in Sarangani to just fold up their tents and slink away. Then expect his other benefactor GMA (projected to become Speaker) to lead a hostile Lower House and a Senate led by (soon to be Senate President) Villar to initiate the constant flavor of both chambers: impeachment, against a president not surnamed Villar, Teodoro or Gordon.
Manny Pacquiao will witness the drama of a lifetime; a front row seat to one of the greatest shows on earth. And I'm not talking about a movie titled Wapakman.
Manny can do the job of a congressman; there's no doubt about that. And, definitely, he can be of great help to his people in his district. You don't need to be a top-notch congressman to be able to help your people. Go. Manny, go!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pacquiao isnt smart enough or ruthless enough to make a good politician. Just look at the mixed up team he has around him in politics
D source it appears that you are campaigning for manny.
Hey, Dennis! It's not that I'm being cocky, but I'll tell you, most of us Pacfans will kick Manny's ass in the political ring. We love him as a boxer and a boxer alone.
With him dabbling his fingers in singing, acting and politics is really a dumb decision. Manny thinks that people will love everything he does because we love him as a boxer. That is a very big mistake.
To prove to you, he has lost his first time in politics. This time he will again. His films are all flops, his voice pathetic. His politics? Wo, wo, wo.
Try collecting data from all of his fans and you will see. Ninety plus percent will vote for 'no' if asked 'would like Manny to run for congress?' Don't argue. Just collect the data and you will see
remember to vote not your conciounce (the past) but from your educated heart(the present). vote intelligently GIBO or VILLAR are the only real choices the rest are just wannabes whois using their family popularity and status to keep families dynasty... remember they have their own skeletons, even more then u think.... don't be a fool!
Manny for Congressman! nobody else deserved that! its only Manny! he helped us! now he needs your help to help you people of Saraggani! Wake up people!
Manny for Congressman!
He needs to fix his own backyard. There are many leeches in government, but he hasn't yet shown an ability to control the leeches in his own entourage. I really do think that he has the political will that is lacking in our government leaders. But first things first: Show us you won't tolerate corruption within your own circle of friends.
yep, with due respect to manny, but, he really needs to clean his own backyard first. he can hardly control his entourage, what more if he's a congressman? he is a leader because of his fame and money. without it, not sure now...
Mr. d'Source/Dennis, you are one of the best writers. I hope Manny will have a chance to read your research above on what to expect being an effective Congressman, from the view of one USA respected Rep. L. Hamilton. All the best!!!
why not manny?people are getting elected all the time because only they have money,it never matter how they got it.if you examine the backgrounds of the politicians you will know that plenty of them are hueteng lords,former drug dealers one way or another.when it comes to desire to serve, i believe Manny is genuine. compare him to Pres. TRUMAN.harry is a tailor, he has no law degree.he became a man in the battlefield of world war I.he is a top notch public servant becaus. he wanted to serve the people.i see the same in mannypacquiao, he may not be highly educated but he knows how it is to be poor.he knows how it is to live in the street.do you think a educated man will walk awy from $30 million because of principle?do you think anybody in the phil. can bribed manny that much to make him walk away from his people.to cheat his people? this is a man of character and principle. peolple of sarangani vote for manny !!!!
D'Source - nice article, I am too are favored for Manny to be a Congressman. I think his purpose is deep in his heart and he might give new hope to the constituents of Saranggani and hopefully the entire country of our beloved Philippines. But off topic though, are you not going to pitch in with Adam Carolla's out of line and racist remarks about Pacman and the Philippines??
Manny needs to be a congressman so that he can have a legal and free bodyguards, he needs to be a congressman because he will set up many businesses in that province, if he is not a politician, he has to give lagay to every politician in the province to do business peacefully. After boxing, he will need a lot more money to protect himself and his personal businesses. He still have to help his people, but if he is congressman, everyhting will come from the public funds. Manny is smart, we need to help him, so that corrupt politician will not lynch on him later in life.
In my opinion, Philippine politics should not be compared to U.S. politics as both countries are not exactly on the same league although driven by common democratic principles. The Philippines has negligible world affairs involvement and the Filipinos has much simpler lifestyle. So it does not require a Princeton or a Harvard scholarship on the resume to succeed in Philippine politics. An adequate popularity for the masses and a good command of our native Pilipino national language is sufficient. Estrada has done it as President of the republic, why not PACQUIAO who brought so much honor and glory to the country than all other politicians, actors and entertainers combine.
A very well articulated insight indeed. Manny too nice a person, who unfortunately will only be taken advantage of all those dirty politicians who are piggy-riding on his back. I can't help but agree with you that 2014 would have been a better choice as he could have finish his boxing business then focus on to bigger and better things. But that's not Manny.
If Manny Pacquiao want to help the people especially the poor Go Ahead JUST DO IT.
i will vote for Manny even in Partylist campaign
I honestly think Manny will just make a fool of himself in Congress. Based on the qualities of a good congressman you mentioned in your article, Pac-Man does not seem to fit the bill.
If he wants to serve the Filipinos as he claims he wants to, he should start with sports, where his expertise is. What does Manny know of lawmaking? Someone suggested he might be after the perks. Maybe he is, because he has associated himself with politicians who unfortunately are among the worst -- Singson, a gambling lord and woman beater, among them.
Forget politics, Manny. Stick where you are good at -- boxing.
Manny make us happy, gave us pride and honor to our country, Now he want to help the poor and serve the country, why not in return give your support to be elected. Please Saranggani voters elect the pacman as congressman...
i think this artcle speak loudly the true nature of the pacman, honesty is his armour to gain trust from the people of whom he gave his best without personal reservation, i will vote for him if given a chance, my vote for him will make a difference and i think he will be an honest and a very good representative of his constituents and the filipinos as a whole.
If I were a Saranggani resident of legal age, I won't let the chance pass of changing our lives forever to the best. I'll vote for Manny. What have the elitist politicians done all our time? Have they drastically improved our lives? No! A time & rime again tested - caring, approachable, trustworthy individual like Manny is a must have for a public servant. Lets not be greedy to allow Manny to stay in d ring & he might suffer illness afterwards. Only the discriminating people wont elect him. Don't let the chance slip of repaying Manny after all that he has done for the Philippines. He transcended the country & the Filipinos, thus recognized worldwide. A single vote of every voter as simple "thank you" to Manny.
JUST DO IT MANNY, WE SUPPORT YOU...............................
@ Andoy Pinoy. What happen to Sarangani after so many years in the hands of political dynasty, Chiongbians? To all the residents of Saranggani, let's give Manny a chance to prove his worth....
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!