Politics Not For Manny

Pacquiao has recorded an album, starred in movies and appeared in television shows. He has a regular show on one of the country's biggest and most influential TV networks, and will come out with a movie about a Filipino superhero called "Wapak-man" (from his nickname "Pacman").

Pacquiao's career outside boxing has also been stellar. No doubt, after battering Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto (which earned Pacquiao his 7th world title in seven different weight divisions) over the weekend, his TV shows will gain higher ratings and his movie will be a top-grosser. Filipinos can't get enough of Manny Pacquiao. They are ready to tolerate him even if he doesn't have real talent for singing or acting. They are willing to watch Pacquiao's every move, including those of his family members. Whenever there is Pacquiao-related news, the media/entertainment industry deems it worthy of the front page. Even his mother, Dionesia, a flamboyant but charming woman, has forayed into show business (as a comedienne) and has got positive responses from audiences. That's show business, and everyone can be forgiven for lack of talent as long as you are "hot".

But with the 2010 election looming in the Philippines, Pacquiao has hinted that he will run for public office again, after suffering defeat in a poll for a congressional seat in his native Cotabato province in 2007.

Filipinos are wondering whether Pacquiao has the mettle for politics - a world of patronage and unimaginable corruption. Today, he is considered a hero in a country that sorely lacks an inspirational figure, but politics will change him. The adulation of Filipinos may disappear overnight. Just like anybody else who enters politics clean, he will come out as dirty as a dishrag.

The boxer says he wants to do something worthwhile outside the ring. He wants to prove that he is not just a street fighter who got lucky. "Hindi ako bobo" ("I'm not stupid"), he says repeatedly during interviews. "Bobo" in the Philippines means more than just stupid. It's the ultimate put-down, even if one has attained something through hard work and perseverance. "Bobo" is associated with someone who doesn't have a formal education in a country so obsessed with degrees and titles. Entering politics would change everything for Manny Pacquiao. And he thinks so, too.

I'd like to see Pacquiao get what he deserves outside boxing - the respect that Filipinos give to the matatalino ("smart") professionals like lawyers and doctors politicians.

Pacquiao has earned Filipinos' respect without entering politics. Besides, these days, if you ask Filipinos if they respect and admire politicians, you won't get a positive response. The smart thing for Pacquiao is to help Filipinos by building a foundation that will get millions out of poverty. He can use his fame to get massive support. He can build Manny Pacquiao schools so that no child will have to quit school and be forced to take up boxing in order to help his poor family. He can be the new face of the "smart" Filipino. It doesn't take a formal education to do that. He can start in the place where his boxing career started. It only takes a village. It only takes Manny Pacquiao.