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By Isagani P. Palma, Correspondent
GENERAL SANTOS CITY: Newly crowned World Boxing
Council lightweight champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has
announced his next title fight—this time in the political ring in
2010.
In a press conference Tuesday, Pacquiao said he
is eyeing the congressional seat to be vacated by Rep. Erwin
Chiongbian of Sarangani, who is expected to retire in two years.
The announcement came two weeks after a hero’s
welcome from the city, where thousands of his townmates applauded
him for telling them that he will only enter politics when he
retires from boxing.
“My political [machinery] is already
well-arranged,” he said Tuesday. “I am vying for the same
position that I contended for in General Santos City in the 2007
elections, but this time in Sarangani province.” He ran and lost
to Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio.
Pacquiao broke the news shortly after his friend
and Mayor Reynaldo Constantino of Malungon town delivered his
so-called “State of the Mayor’s Address.” Hundreds came to see
Pacquiao and stayed on for the town’s weeklong celebration of its
39th founding anniversary.
Pacquiao, the chairman of Malungon’s tourism
council, led a tour of the town’s tourist destinations, such as
Datal Bila Waterworld Swimming Resort and Busagan Falls in Laurel
village. He recently led the planting of some 500, 000 seedlings of
sandugo in a bid to drum up protection of the environment.
Eleanor Saguiguit, vice-chairman of the tourism
council, said Pacquiao has given P2.3 million to the council since
last year.
Asked if the donation had to do with his
political comeback, Pacquiao said he gave the money because he
“saw and felt the sincerity and caring [of his fans and
supporters] even when I am not in the boxing ring.”
B’laan and Taga-Kaulo tribesmen are
predominant in Malungon, the largest of the seven towns of Sarangani.
During the anniversary celebration, the boxing
champ donated P600,000 for the improvement of the town’s schools
and educational programs.
“It is [Pacquiao’s] decision and we can do
nothing but to give him our support in the 2010 elections,” said
Constantino, who defeated former Mayor Teody Padernilla of Malungon
town through the financial support of Pacquiao. He is half B’laan.
“The Pacman will never turn his back on what
he had promised,” Constantino said.
“I would like to retire from boxing, maybe
undefeated, or whatever God wishes it to be. Yet it is still my
honor to continue serving my people in many different ways,”
Pacquiao told The Manila Times.
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