Manny Pacquiao for President

Respectfully, I think he has the capacity and ability to run for public office, given his wealth, political backing, and mass appeal. If Eddie Gil's candidacy was initially affirmed by COMELEC, I don't see any reason why they would not do the same for Pacquiao, considering his known close ties with the powers that be. That said, running the country, if ever he decides to run and get elected, is a totally different matter.

If I may ask, by the way, exactly what "special set of skills" should someone running for president have to be considered qualified to run the country, if he/she wins? Thanks!

Ha ha!!! This is a funny topic you post moonchild, thanks for that, you made my day ha ha ha!. Bet you acquired many responses by this question ha ha ha.

Well, let me contribute mine...

This is what I think...

Yes he has a capacity to think since masses of people like him who basically understand him and are like him would possibly vote for him.

What can he do for the country... Uhh... Box?

Although many politicians would want him to be president I'm sure, since if ever he wins then these politicians now would have a puppet president which is very good instrument for corruption.

That's just one of the many.

Ha ha! This topic really made my day.

OOOPPSS!!! sorry moonchild!
this was meant for the topic starter. sorry. my bad.

No problem, gyouswe911.

acmepride, it's true that Pacquiao meets the minimum qualifications of running for public office, which is being a Filipino and literate (dunno about the age, though, because I think someone running for president should be above 40 or something?). He has compassion and he has the welfare of the masses in his heart and mind. What he lacks, though, is political experience and management and decision-making capabilities. He's too raw to be a politician, and this is a big risk for him and a huge opening for ambitious politicians to treat him as their puppet. I believe a president should have not only love for his country and his people but also have the capabilities to govern properly, make correct yet tough decisions for the greater good, and think of solutions to make the country better. He lacks those skills. I don't mind a Filipino president who cannot speak fluent English (interpreters can solve that), but I would want a president who knows how to steer the country to progress. Experience outranks everything, and in the world of politics, Pacquiao doesn't have that.

Like I said, he's better off in the boxing ring.;)

Ha ha ha! I'm really glad that you find the topic I started funny, gyouswe911.

To clarify, however, precisely what do you mean when you say, "Yes he has a capacity to think since masses of people like him who basically understand him and are like him would possibly vote for him," gyouswe911?

With regard to your question, Uhh... give it worldwide recognition that it would have otherwise not enjoyed if not for the fact that he set record after record and made many Filipinos proud the world over in the process. Also, he helps lessen crimes during his fights, as per the reports given by local enforcement authorities, since even criminals are glued to their TV sets (or their neighbor's) to watch the Pambansang Kamao demolish his opponents. Who among the current roster of presidentiables brought the Philippines and the Filipino people pride and international acclaim? Don't you think that with the personality-driven politics we have in our country (i.e. ERAP, FPJ, Kap, Among Ed, etc.), Manny Pacquiao, at least, deserves a chance to make his case to the Filipino people?

Your answers, to be sure, would really make my day.

moonchild117, why wouldn't the fact that "He has compassion and he has the welfare of the masses in his heart and mind," not be enough for him to become president?

Did Cory Aquino have the necessary "political experience and management and decision-making capabilities" when she decided to run for the presidency? Wasn't she "too raw to be a politician," too? Was the "huge opening for ambitious politicians" exploited during her time and was she treated "as their puppet" then?

If, as you claimed, "Experience outranks everything" in the world of politics, to your mind, how's Gloria Arroyo's administration doing so far? Heck, how did JDV's wealth of experience helped him in his political career? How did these experienced politicians bring pride and progress to our country and our people?

Thanks for taking time to make sensible posts, as I believe enriching discussions can help widen our perspectives and deepen our understanding of issues. I truly appreciate it.

*help; not helped

better not run for any government position, that is what i would say. He have gained people's respect as an athlete. I think he better remain that way. Politics is like showbiz, intriguing. He can help people in a different way. He can build his own foundation for the poor, if he really want to help his kababayan.

hornetlover, don't you think, however, that he could use the respect he has gained as an athlete from Filipinos from all walks of life as a springboard to finally help heal the wounds of division that destroy our country?

In addition, while he can "build his own foundation for the poor" to help out his kababayans, wouldn't you agree that with the political clout, authority, and influence that come along with being a president, he can do so much more?

Thanks and Happy myLotting!

I made a very big poster 3x6ft of pacman and have it displayed just outside of my home. So you I could really say that I am one of his biggest fan. He has my respect as far as his sports is concerned. He has discipline, skills and the heart to fight and win. But for president? sorry but NO. At least for now. I don't want him turned into laughing stock because of his limited knowledge. Maybe in 10 years time, when he earns his degree and already have a good grasp about economic and the world. At this point, I just can't imagine him meeting the different world leaders and discussing trade and treaties among other things. He can't just pose and box. I even cringed about his answer when was asked about his opinion about Martin's faulty rendition of our National Anthem. I think Pacman is a great man in his own right. He has the potential and minimum requirement but i don't want a mediocre politician for President because he would just turn out to be a puppet by those more experienced ones. He may not be stupid but I believe he could still be fooled by those very corrupt trapos. But after all is said and done...i personally think that it's just not for him.

cdparazo, I must applaud you for making that very big poster to show your support for the Pambansang Kamao. You really seem to be one of his biggest fans.

That said, given your revealing post, may I kindly ask the following:

1. "He has discipline, skills and the heart to fight and win. But for president? sorry but NO. At least for now...Maybe in 10 years time, when he earns his degree and already have a good grasp about economic and the world...I think Pacman is a great man in his own right."

"But after all is said and done...i personally think that it's just not for him. Seriously, which is which?2. "I don't want him turned into laughing stock because of his limited knowledge."

How much knowledge is required to be president? Strong Republic Gloria (has a PhD in Economics) and Strong Man Marcos (bar topnotcher), as I'm quite sure you'll agree, "have a good grasp about economic and the world."

How was Marcos as president? http://www.infoplease.com... Gloria? http://www.pcij.org/blog/?p=2401

As one of the most corrupt nations in the world, wouldn't you say that these two presidents immensely contributed in turning us into a "laughing stock" of the world?

3. "i don't want a mediocre politician for President because he would just turn out to be a puppet by those more experienced ones. He may not be stupid but I believe he could still be fooled by those very corrupt trapos."

Is JDV (House Speaker for five times in separate terms) a "mediocre politician," cdparazo? How about ERAP and GMA? Are these politicians the "more experienced ones" you're pertaining to?

By the way, what made you say that "he would just turn out to be a puppet by those more experienced ones," if I may ask?

As a novice/first-time politician, who also had no experience in the governmental sector prior to his running, are you saying that Among Ed "just turned out to be a puppet by those more experienced ones," cdparazo? How about Cory Aquino? Was she fooled by the "very corrupt trapos" you're referring to?

While I may have clarifications, I really appreciate your insightful contribution to this discussion. Stay active and Happy myLotting!

Wow, I just can't agree more with CDPARAZO's response here. Good thinking. It is admirable that a young lady and a voter thinks really wise about issues like this.

alicia812, while I agree that any voter (lady or gentleman) who thinks about issues like this one should be admired, may I ask why you can't agree more with CDPARAZO?

Thanks and Happy myLotting!

If I may kindly ask, why do you think that running for president "will totally ruin his standing in our country," rsa101? Thanks for enlightening us!

We have just witness how he makes decision for himself about his promoters and everything. It created a big fiasco of every sorts of intrigues, network wars and legal battles that loomed over his fight this May.


Now try making that on the National Issues of our country. Do you think that kind of a person can be trusted to handle national decisions to be made? I suggest that he focus on what he can do best.

Don't you think, though, that such "big fiasco of every sorts" that his decision created just goes to show how truly influential he is in the lives of the Filipino people? Do you think that one decision could determine whether one would turn out to be a good leader?

What if this whole hoopla is just a massive publicity stunt to further hype up his fight with Hatton, since publicity--good or bad--is still publicity? If it is, in fact, just that, don't you think that he's actually wise to come up with such a plan?

Also, again, in what way will his running for presidency "totally ruin his standing in our country," rsa101?

Thanks in advance for your much valued response!

You know how politics in our country is its much worse than showbiz intrigues. If he cannot handle one single decision and cannot stand on his own word then what can you expect if he runs for the highest position. As you would notice this happened twice in his career. First was choosing ans switching of his promoters in America and now with the two network rivals.

No matter if this were just a gimmick or not its not nice to look at moreso if he does this when he is in the highest seat in the government. Well if he's really planning into entering into politics start at a lower position to hone his skills on political governance. Start convincing maybe a small group of person. Or maybe he could pursue a career in showbiz would be better for him as this he can easily manipulate just like what he is doing right now.

Many might disagree with your statement, "You know how politics in our country is its much worse than showbiz intrigues," especially when an actress would land in the headline of one of the most widely read newspapers in the country for having STD.

Jesting aside, are you, in effect, saying that the other Presidentiables cannot run the country, too, given that, as I'm sure you know, they have, in one way or another, switched positions (hence, the common use of the word balimbing to describe such politicians) throughout their careers to ride the popular political tide and pander to the voters? How many campaign promises have they broken? Put simply, if you claim that Pacquiao's switch in positions should not qualify him to run the country, shouldn't the same exact standard be applied to others who aspire to run the country, too?

"Well if he's really planning into entering into politics start at a lower position to hone his skills on political governance."


Did Cory follow such a path before she decided to run for the presidency? If not, why should Pacquiao be any different?

"Or maybe he could pursue a career in showbiz would be better for him as this he can easily manipulate just like what he is doing right now."

Shouldn't the same thing be said to those presidentiables who appear in commercials to promote skin products, wet markets, and the like?

Thanks for taking time to share your opinions, as I'm sure many who are reading this may gather a thing or two from this discussion, even when they do not necessarily agree with everything we're saying.

It is obvious now that he is planning to run as congressman in a place where the political competition is lesser than his hometown Gen Santos City where he lost his bid. Well no one actually forbids his kind to run for political position but my answer remains the same for this. If he runs for President he won't get my vote for him. If he wins this congressional bid in Sarangani we will see how he manages his district then let's discuss his running for presidency again. But at this point in time that is big NO NO for me.

yeah true it's a big joke.. lol

sophie and knutz, why, if I may ask?

Thanks a lot and Happy myLotting!

Do you ever know a boxer who has attained college?

If your answer is no, then thats it.

Manny Pacquiao doesn't even know how to converse well in English. What will ever happen if he became a president?
I suppose he can't make his own decisions for the sake and benefit of the Filipinos. I told this same topic to my bf and he said "Thats insane!"

sophie, there are boxers with college degrees. The most popular one is former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine. Not only does he have a bachelor's degree, he also has a Ph.D in Sports Science from Kiev University. A real doctorate degree that he worked for, not the kind of cheap "honorary" degree Pacquiao has. But I do agree with your comments, MP for president is a big joke.

Sophie, as to your question, kindly read the comment of spoiled brat. If you want to know more about him, here's a link for your perusal:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Klitschko

Also, this may surprise you, but there are other boxers with college degrees, too. For your reference, kindly check this out:http://www.boxingscene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=253650
http://www.boxingscene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1876

As to your second question, I never thought conversing well in English is a qualification for being a president. How's Marcos for a president, by the way? How about Macapal...err, Macapagal-Arroyo?

Regarding your statement, "I suppose he can't make his own decisions for the sake and benefit of the Filipinos," I respectfully think that conversing well/not too well in English does not necessarily translate to ability/inability to make decisions "for the sake and the benefit of the Filipinos," unless I'm missing something here.

Last time I went to Pacquiao's Vegas room, I must tell you that I was really surprised that he was playing chess the night before his fight. A man who knows how to play chess, at least from where I stand, does not seem to be as dumb as other people may want such a man to appear and believe. He won that chess match, by the way--checkmate. Not that it's a qualification for being a president because it absolutely isn't, but it's just a manifestation that he can decide to move chess pieces by himself.

Insane?

"A real doctorate degree that he worked for, not the kind of cheap "honorary" degree Pacquiao has."

spoiledbrat802, do you think Manny Pacquiao would earn the "cheap honorary degree" you're speaking of if he did not have the discipline, passion, and drive to work hard to become the best fighter that he is and bring pride, fame, and Glory to the Philippines?

Also, how's Gloria's real Ph.d helping our country again? Did/Does it help in bringing pride to our people and progress to our nation?

Juan Diaz, a boxer in Texas will soon be a politician. Maybe Manny Pacquiao can but not on presidential level. I'm sorry to say. But not really a joke because as long as qualified, anybody can run for president.

modstar, that's an interesting bit of info.

If I may ask, in a democracy, do you think that anyone has the right to run for any public position, if he/she meets the requirements to do so?

Thanks and Happy myLotting!

Oh, I forgot intellect.lol

Manny Pacquiao can't get everything. He must focus on overhauling the sports system in the Philippines and help train young boxers after he retired.