Pacquiao Mostly

Once again, Filipinos everywhere and the nation are euphoric in anticipating the much talked-about Pacquiao-Mosley fight. Filipinos are indeed tireless in searching for their modern heroes. It looks that the search is over. They believe that the congressman from Sarangani province, Manny Pacquiao who doubles as a boxer is a hero.

From the very start, I know that he is not a hero for he has not done so far anything that is noble for the country risking or giving his life. And well --- he is still alive.

I don’t buy either the idea that his victories reap honors for the country. While it cannot be denied that Pacquiao is an excellent boxer, he was the “best promoter” of the corrupt and inefficient government of Gloria Arroyo. Boxing fans of different nationalities not familiar with the Philippines can familiarize themselves about the country by going to the internet. Of course, they don’t say anything out of respect and diplomatic courtesy but every time Pacquiao demolishes his opponent in the ring, this country is “unmasked”.

Is it better now under Pres. Aquino? I am not shy to say that P-Noy, the son of a distinguished couple who did so much for the country in dismantling dictatorship reminds all that the country, no matter how slow, is getting its feet together as his fight against corruption rages.

I have not heard anyone who is a member of a congress that also boxes. Americans precisely know that congress people are elected to enact laws. Period. If a US congress person does not do the job or does other things not in consonant with the definition of the job, Americans cry foul saying “Rep. N.N. is elected to enact laws and not to . . .”

In this country, we don’t care as long as Rep. Pacquiao is seen my millions of Filipinos box on television. It is better as far as I’m concerned if we watch his performance in Congress. Of course, it is not expected that he engages a debate with any of his colleagues but it is interesting to know how he fares in nursing the needs of his constituents and for the entire nation as well.

But who cares? Majority of Filipinos prefer to watch Rep. Paquiao in the ring and know everything about him as a boxer instead of tracking his achievement in Congress.

Sometimes, priorities don't make sense in this country mostly inhabited by Pacquiao fanatics.