#AnimatED: Boxing fame not equal to politics

The country’s boxing hero may have suffered a painful defeat, but this doesn’t take away the fact that Manny Pacquiao has established himself as a great boxer in the annals of the sport. His record is indelible, his name etched in history.

This – the day after, and in the days to come, as many think about what’s next for Pacquiao – is the time to mull over the pitch made by some people close to him: that the boxing star is destined for national politics.

During the run-up to the big fight, talk about Pacquiao’s political future seemed inevitable. Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, told TMZ, described as a paparazzi website, about his client’s possible bid for the presidency.

“He is going to be a president,” Arum said, in quite a straightforward manner. “He’s going to run for the Senate of the Philippines in 2016 and then 2022 or maybe later he’ll run for president.”

Local reports mentioned that Vice President Jejomar Binay, the leading contender for the presidency in next year’s elections, is wooing Pacquiao to be part of his senatorial slate.

Who wouldn’t want Pacquiao as a party mate in the 2016 elections? Why, his unparalleled fame looks like a sure ticket to victory, plus he would bring his own deep pockets into the campaign.

It would not be a surprise if Pacquiao himself wants to be senator and, later, vice president or president. He has entered the political ring as congressman, on his second term (he was re-elected in 2013), representing Sarangani province.

At 36, he’s getting old for the boxing arena, but he’s in his prime for the other arena – politics, which is not as bruising and brutal, and not in the same blood-and-guts mold.

But consider his record in the House of Representatives. During the entire 2014, he only showed up in Congress 7 days out of 70 session days, according to the HOR website. 

Reports show that he only authored 4 bills, none of which became law.

In contrast, his boxing record is stellar: 56 wins, 5 defeats, and 2 draws. Pacquiao’s reputation as a boxer without peer is sealed, burned into people’s memories.

So here’s where he can serve the country best – by flinging his energy into the field where he excels. Pacquiao can develop young brawn into future boxing champions while, at the same time, help uplift them from poverty. With his resources and, hopefully, well-meaning friends and advisers, Pacquiao can parlay his popularity into a well-funded and well-run organization that is focused on youth and boxing, getting these kids to school and training them in the sport.

Pacquiao can tap his Hollywood admirers and other celebrities to build up an endowment for poor children who, at the same time, aspire to be in big fights someday. 

He can take a leaf from Oprah Winfrey, who has used her wealth and fame, and continues to do so, to help African children. For one, she has built an impressive school for girls in South Africa.

Politics is not the only way forward for Manny Pacquiao. Because of where he is now, in such a unique place, he can do what many others cannot. – Rappler.com