Well, it's 2011 and Manny Pacquiao is set to face Juan Manuel Marquez this November but it did not stop the "Pambansang Kamao" to plot his political career this early. Manny knows that he will be around less than 5 fights before hanging up his gloves and it is just right for him to plan for his future. I guess after winning the House seat of Sarangani, Cong. Pacquiao is starting to love politics.
Here is what he is supposed to be planning: 2013 run for Sarangani governor then 2016 run for VP. My reaction? Well, no matter how people discount the abilities of athlete as a politician there are many factors and precedents that are favoring Manny. One is popularity. No matter how we look at it, elections are clearly popularity contests. It is rarely about principles, advocacy, and competence. It is really hard to beat a really popular candidate. Noli, Erap, Jawo, Bong Revilla, and Lito Lapid has shown that popular candidates can win. Second is the dole out culture. Manny has show now that gives people houses, money, and other things. People love givers and having thatkind of reputation can really bring a lot of political mileage.
While there are extremely strong factors that will augur well to his dreams, there are also some factors that could thwart his plans. As early as his plans were revealed, COMELEC reacted that he might not be qualified to run for VP in 2016. Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said that the Philippine Constitution set the minium age for VP is 40 years old. Pacquiao will only be 38 in 2016.
I guess his plan for VP will be moved to 2022. ;) Well, he still has many options. Senator at 2016 will be a perfect launch pad for a VP or presidential run in the future. The last 3 presidents spent time as senators so it is not remote that the Sarangani congressman can be the gentleman from Mindanao in the senate.
Will the Filipino people vote for him? He is definitely more sellable than Lito Lapid. In a list of 12, he can surely sneak in and I am sure some politicos would try to ride on his popularity. In a few years time, it is remote that will see that the "People's Champ is the People's Senator".
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| Preview of 2013 and 2016??? (Photo from: http://celebrities.wikinut.com/) |
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