PACQUIAO AND POLITICS (PART II)
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 08 Oct 2015
Congressman Manny Pacquiao is now serving his second term as representative of the lone district of Sarangani, a province with a 45% poverty rate, located in the country?s tuna capital. He acted as vice chairman of three committees for the majority, namely: Millennium Development Goals, Poverty Alleviation, and Youth and Sports Development.
Professor Prospero de Vera said when Pacquiao was absent mostly to train he was denying representation for his constituents in his district. "He has a problem understanding what representation means," said de Vera as quoted by the Associated Press. "What is worrisome is that he doesn't seem to be bothered by it."
But Pacquiao's supporters insisted that while the fighting congressman was busy training and boxing to give honor to his country, he was able to serve his constituents by giving assistance for their livelihood such as fishing boats, carabaos, lots for housing and college scholarships through his wife Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao. Sometimes doling out funds from his own pocket.
Critics called these dole outs as acts by traditional politicians or "trapos" which Pacquiao practiced in his district.
Political analyst Ramon Casiple warned that "Pacquiao should be aware of people around him who are not only 'trapo' but also opportunists, who will take advantage of his name and his money."
But in Philippine politics, people are not so concerned with what their representative has done in the halls of Congress but how many school buildings, irrigation projects, farm-to-market roads and multi-purpose centers a representative has funded and brought to his district.
The Filipino electorate preferred public officials who listened to their problems, provide them with their basic needs and who are ready to sympathize with them in times of distress.
Many political experts suggest that Pacquiao should run as governor or mayor because his style of public service is likened to that of a local chief executive. But the average electorate could not distinguish the functions of an executive and a legislator. For them it does not matter whether the official makes laws or executes the laws. As long as the official understand the plight of the masses and is identified with them, then they would love him.
At the height of the so-called "Cory magic" Joseph Estrada, then former San Juan mayor, found his strength in the votes of the masses and it was only he and Juan Ponce Enrile, then former defense minister, who won seats under the Grand Alliance for Democracy, a party who opposed then President Corazon Aquino. GAD won only two seats of the 24 Senate slots contested during the first national legislative elections after EDSA Revolution, the other 22 Senators were from President Aquino's party Lakas ng Bayan.
Highly criticized as not qualified to be a Senator for being a college dropout, Estrada principally authored bills on irrigation project and the protection and propagation of carabaos, among others. In 1989, the Free Press cited Estrada as one of the Three Outstanding Senators of the Year.
The next national elections in 1992, Estrada won as Vice President with the support of the masses which constitute a vast majority of the electorate. His being a famous and multi-awarded action star provided the popularity needed to boast his candidacy.
Apparently, Pacquiao follows the same path with the same mass appeal as the former president. The people who appreciated their style of service constitute more than half of the voting population.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024