The EDSA-I hero spoils widespread celebration for the feat of an illustrious son who once again raised the Philippine emblem at the top of the world in the middle of the boxing arena.
Most in the channels of mass communication these days are about praises, adulation, exultation, reverence, hero worship, respect, honor, glory, wonder, brilliance and credit to name an acute few for Manny Pacquiao.
Though I am harshly against the role he played during the Marcos fascist dictatorship, I believe that he is very careful at the twilight of his political career carving and bequeathing a worthwhile legacy. Now, almost 90, the Ateneo, UP Diliman and Harvard alumnus is still sharp if saying that he is still one of the best senators is unethical so as not to reduce the significance and contributions of his colleagues.
What he said about the Filipino boxing icon is “perfectly” accurate that Mr. Pacquiao as president “devaluates the presidency” and “that it is not enough that Pacquiao won a seat in the House of Representatives; and that he is being idolized by millions of people” (that he can take the role of a peace negotiator).
Well said and no matter how hurting what he said, Sen. Enrile did not take back his words regardless of whatever negative or even vulgar and impolite comments against him and against those who agree with him receive in turn.
I am not taking out any inch of Manny’s wizardry inside the ring nor take for granted his magnanimity and modest equanimity. Precisely, the first has nothing to do in politics. Unlike some Asian neighbors, there has never been any exchange of fists in our Congress between solons during heated arguments. The second may be a plus factor but a president or a peace negotiator needs intellectual reserve and fecundity.
At the tender age of 32, if and when he so desires to run for the presidency, that will be in 2022 at age 44. Per age requirement, a candidate must be 40 on the day of elections (See Article VII, Sec. 2 of the 1987 Constitution).
Between now and 2022, a lot of political, national and international fortuitous events are plateful but Filipinos will have the last say if there will be a Pres. Manny Pacquiao.
Filipinos will also have their first say if Pres. Pacquiao was indeed a wise choice or was merely a product of hypnotized minds.
The Mindanao problem is a complex issue. At this point, I believe that there are others who are more capable than Rep. Pacquiao to sit on the negotiating table. The problem is not only about land or influx of government projects and aid to the island. More than that is the terrorism issue that is known to have foreign connections which the intelligence community asserts. For one to play the role of Kissinger, I believe that s/he must be familiar with history and its facts and whatever offshoot that may ensue that has something to do not only on the peace and order of Mindanao but on its economic, social and cultural well-being as well.
In fairness to Mr. Pacquiao, I believe that he has a bird’s eye view on the heart of the problem of his mother island but I doubt if he is perceptive, analytical and capable enough to find from bales of hay a common solution of the problems to once for all achieve peace in that distressed part of the country that has seen and continue to see the faces of suffering, apathy and violence.
Mr. Pacquiao is very capable in hiring the best minds as his adviser but they are not Mr. Pacquiao. In a “life or death” situation he has to rely on his guts and not from the advisers which could not be enough to bring forth a fruitful outcome.
I hope that our too much if not stupid idolizing of Pacman will not lead this country into an eco-political mess. If Mr. Pacquiao really loves this country to which he has bestowed a bunch of unequaled honor, even if pushed hard enough to run for the presidency, it is better for him to retire in GenSan or to any great city of the world and enjoy his family and fortune. If he wants to help the country and us, there are dozens of ways to do it privately. He should let the more prepared others to help find peace in Mindanao. Better, he should spend more time looking ways to help his constituents in Sarangani and do something too for the country not only through boxing but through humanitarian grounds as well.
Many may disagree with Sen. Enrile but in freedom of expression, anyone is free to voice a dissenting opinion.
Others don’t stop there. Some use words and phrases not even good for an old dirty dog against the person exercising his/her right of expression or of opinion but resorting into that filthy defensiveness clearly implies immaturity and lack of decency in a civilized society. -30-
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