Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao (center) is assisted by medical personnel for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on his injured right shoulder, at a hospital in Manila on Monday. The injury, which Pacquiao sustained in training before his fight with US boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., was healing well. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao said he will give his full focus on being a senator should he win in the 2016 elections.
Pacquiao said he will work harder should he win, recognizing the much bigger responsibilities that a senator handles.
“Kaya po ako natagalan magdesisyon is because of that. Kapag magdecide ako – although nag-decide na nga ako – ang inisip ko, kapag pumasok ako kailangan seryoso, walang absent, palaging papasok, dahil buong bansa ang responsibilidad mo,” the boxing champ said.
Pacquiao’s announcement of his senatorial bid did not sit well with some of his fans, who believe he is not capable of handling the tasks of a lawmaker. His frequent absences at the House of Representatives is not helping him defend his track record as a politician.
Pacquiao said despite his frequent absences, he never took his constituents for granted.
“Nagkakataon na may fight ako, so nasa training ako. Kailangan 3 buwan training ko, so hindi ako nakakapasok,” he said.
“Pagbalik ko may inaasikaso ako sa distrito, nag-aasikaso ng project. Kahit di pera ng gobyerno, sarili nating pera ang mga project doon. I’m sure ang Sarangani ang magpapatunay na marami tayong nagawa.”
Pacquiao said he is eyeing one more fight before the 2016 elections.
“I’m 37 years old. I’m not saying I’m retiring, siguro may fight pa isa before the election,” he said.
Pacquiao said the country needs a leader who is sincere.
“Ngayon ko nabuo ang desisyon na kailangan ako ng tao, ng sinserong lider na talagang ang pagtulong sa kapwa ay totoo,” he said.
Pacquiao is listed among the probable winners in both the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) and Pulse Asia pre-elections surveys.
In the SWS survey, Pacquiao was ranked 9th (30%), while in Pulse Asia, he landed in the 7th to 11th places (39.6%).
Pacquiao, however, said his good showing in the surveys was not his main consideration for running.
“Hindi ako nagbe-base sa survey. Ang akin ay yung from the bottom of my heart, gusto ko makatulong sa tao kaya ako tumakbo. Iyun ang goal ko,” he said.
The fighting congressman has yet to decide what party he will join in 2016, although he was seen at the launch of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of Vice President Jejomar Binay.(MNS)