http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=130133

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao remains unfazed by critics' reactions against his decision to make a political comeback after his planned retirement one or two years from now.

“Siyempre after ng boxing career ko, gusto ko namang magserbsyo sa kapwa dahil yung biyaya na binigay sa aking ng Panginoon sobra-sobra. Ang ganti ko naman sa kanya ay tulong para sa mga kapwa ko Pilipino,” Pacquiao said Wednesday when asked about his political plans.

The boxing superstar tried his hand on politics in the 2007 elections when he ran for a congressional seat in South Cotabato. He was, however, defeated by incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio by a landslide.

This time, Pacquiao plans to run as congressman of Saranggani province against the incumbent, Rep. Erwin Chiongban.

Pacquiao downplayed statements by several senators that some politicians might take advantage of his generosity, since he is relatively a novice in politics.

“Para bang sinasabi na nila na wala tayong utak… may utak din tayo na pangalagaan ang pera natin,” he said.

Senators Panfilo Lacson and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada earlier said Pacquiao’s political career could go downhill with his association to President Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino. Even administration Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri advised the boxer to watch out for “user friendly” politicians.

“Sila nga, gumagastos din e, di ba iniisip din nila, ganun din ako, iniisip din,” said Pacquiao, referring to the senators.

Pacquiao, however, said he would rather focus on the preparations against boxer-turned promoter Oscar de la Hoya since it is still too early to dwell on his political future. With a report from Dexter Ganibe, ABS-CBN General Santos

pacman is a r3tard, he is just with good his fists just like a buffalo is good at pulling carts. haha

you guys know that anyone can be a politician in the Philippines, you just have to be popular...remember Estrada, Castro and Poe? WTF!?

oh darn! there goes pacman again!

I remember being flamed in another forum for just voicing my opinion on Pacman wanting to be a politician. I am against him running.

Apparently, they think that winning boxing matches is very similar to having a successful government leadership.

Magboxing ka nalang Manny!!!!

Manny is an ally of those puppets.

in short nag papa-gamit kasi di marunong mag isip! never trust politicians!

true...

i predict Manny would lose again. poor lad

manny should just stay as a boxer.