boxers in politics?
By fujin1985
@fujin1985 (684)
Philippines
February 1, 2007 6:33pm CST
Popularity has been the game of Philippine politics since actors and actresses entered it. Though some have succeeded with their social works, most of them didn't even do a thing at all, but are still loved by the masses!
If you are familiar with the 'legendary boxer' Manny "pacman" Pacquiao, he is planning to get into politics as well! He's loved by the masses since he won in the IBF as super bantamweight champ and in WBC as flyweight champ, but knowing that he has no background when it comes to politics, I doubt if he can do his work. What does he plan to do? Do boxing while in politics and the money he'll win be given to people? That will be such an absurd idea when he plans to do that!
Do you think popularity should be considered in politics? What's the advantage then if that's the case?
6 people like this
23 responses
@hartnsoul (558)
• Philippines
2 Feb 07
The country has had its fair share of personalities in the government. I think if Manny Pacquiao is sincere in his efforts to serve the country, he should not run for politics. People around him will just take advatage of the opportunity if he gets in position.
3 people like this
@layamaria (102)
• Philippines
2 Feb 07
I think you're right.
Pacman's mom has repeatedly warned him to stay away from politics but it seems he doesn't want to listen. He's just going to become a figurehead for the other politicians, especially if he will surround himself with 'advisors'. If they're the ones who will pull the strings through him, then what's the difference between him being in the position and them being in position? We'll just end up in the same rut.
BTW, I hail from General Santos City... Pacman's city.
@fujin1985 (684)
• Philippines
3 Feb 07
layamaria, for curiosity's sake, will you vote for pacman?
1 person likes this
@anant_awasthi (19)
• India
2 Feb 07
ya this is good that some one come in politics in this type of feild like boxing or games, bcz they r fit to work and dont waste money in his treatment in various modes.
@faylinn_chaeli (1619)
• Philippines
2 Feb 07
I think it is best if he will remain as a boxer, a boxer turned to politician is not appealing to me. In my opinion, if he's too generous, people might abuse his generosity and so they become lazy, etc., I heard that he cannot run because of the registration issues.
3 people like this
@jackie_mmm (886)
• Philippines
2 Feb 07
there's a fine line between love and hate And there's also a fine line between charisma and impeachment. Let's wait and see what they can do.
3 people like this
@stiffened (193)
• Philippines
2 Feb 07
Lord, help the Philippines. Kindly enlighten Manny not to run this coming elections. Being a Filipino myself and having seen the celebrities trying their luck in politics, having Manny as an official would definitely turn the tables and will lead to several other sports icon following his steps. He's a boxer and let it be. Let's not push him into going to politocs just bevause the Filipinos love him. We love hom for his skills and the honor he gives to our country.. lets just leave it that way.
3 people like this
@ankit27 (39)
• India
2 Feb 07
Popularity does matter in politics.
If know one knows you than how come you are going to prove yourself?
Also if the person is willing to do something for his country then whats wrong in that.
If his intensions are wrong than people has to recognize it by their own & respond then..
3 people like this
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
2 Feb 07
I think people are just looking for someone that they think can help them and release them from poverty. But I am not for celebrities going to politics, especially those political clans and those who are less educated like Pacquiao. He could be easily manipulated by those people who surrounds him and might just end up ruining his reputation. Just think of those well-educated which still end up as masterminds of illegal activities.
I say he stick first on boxing and finish his career unstained. Then when he decides to hung up his gloves, he can think and pursue his running for local office. This all goes also to other celebrities who have less knowledge in politics and are just forced only to join the election fever..
@maru_047in (1007)
• India
2 Feb 07
i think there is a lot of advantage to such kind of personalities and we think that they ll help the people serving better but all the times that ll not happen don't take me in the negative manner i am just telling the facts like i cant mention some of the names but i think you must also come across such kind of personalities and seen so i need not tell much about this things.
@dreams_murali (120)
• India
2 Feb 07
same in my country also(india), it seems who ever gets popular somehow tries to enter politics, i dunno y, but its not a easy one for them without knowing about it b4, i think so...
@maribel1218 (3085)
• Philippines
2 Feb 07
We can't deny the fact that some politicians who now held top most position gain it from thier popularity, but the question sometimes really lies what does popularity can do to our country.
Pacquio made a good reputation with his splendied achievement in world boxing but if he enter politics no matter how sincere it's objective to help still his good reputation will be abuse by those around him.
3 people like this
@ashumit02 (818)
• United States
2 Feb 07
Boxers can only decide on the basis of fighting.I dislike it.Boxers have no sense to start decision on the basis of justice.So how can they be on the politics.Well in politics voting is the ground of selection.That's why people can do this.In Philippine politics this is really a good thing that actors and actresses have enter.So really a boxer must be allowed.This must have advantage in long time.
@annepretty (584)
• Philippines
2 Feb 07
I dont think a boxer like manny could help the country by going into politics.Popularity should never be one of the reasons to vote for someone...we should always think what this person can do for our country or our town..always remember that we taxpayers pay for their salaries.
@chintan_inc (224)
• India
2 Feb 07
well i think popularity is considered in politics. in india many movie actors entered into politics and dey have won almost all d elections due to der popularity.
@irreverent (68)
• Philippines
2 Feb 07
Manny Pacquiao has brought honor to his country, but to run for public office without any experience in politics or even governance in any field will surely tarnish his legacy. If he indeed is planning to enter politics, I don't know why. Maybe he is being manipulated by greedy politicians, maybe he genuinely wants to be of service to his countrymen. But if he is really sincere in helping others, he can do it even without a position in government. With all the millions he has earned from boxing, he can certainly do that. He can put up a foundation, a school, a scholarship program. He can donate computers and books to schools, donate to charitable institutions and orphanages, donate to church. There are so many ways to help if one really thinks about it. I can't understand why many people in the Philippines think that the only way to help is to get elected for mayor, governor, senator, and whatever government position they can think of. On the other hand, Pacquiao's plan to run for public office is a classic representation of the sad state of Philippine politics. Voters elect candidates who are popular, never mind if they have no education or experience. So it's not surprising to see a senator, mayor, governor, congressman, and even president who were former actors/actresses/basketball players. This personality-based politics, coupled with graft and corruption, is what ails the Philippines. Unless the Filipino voters become mature and intelligent, they will never achieve the economic prosperity they have been longing for.
2 people like this
@ag_abscruzmd (2283)
• United States
2 Feb 07
I believe if the person is committed and has pure intentions of helping the people, then he can run for politics because in many democratic countries, anybody has the privilege to run regardless of educational background or experience. The problem is that popularity to the masses would usually replace education and experience, and this somehow could lead to a not-so-good consequence in terms of performance in public office (but of coourse not in all cases, for example in the case of Vilma Santos). In Manny Pacquiao's case, I have noticed that ever since he had been winning, many politicians have been trying to link themselves to him--very typical of political exploitation. Then suddenly, the innocent guy decides to run. His intentions could be good but this time I think education on his part is badly needed. Instead of being more well-regarded by the masses, this could lead to his downfall. He should be thinking twice or thrice about his plans of running (and please not in the presence of all the TRAPOS!)..
@bhogz13 (126)
• Philippines
2 Feb 07
Yes popularity is somewhat a big factor in when entering politics...You know what we all need is to be a wise voter..we cannot control people who wants to run into politics..but stil it wil be our own choice on who will be the capatain of the ship...
2 people like this
@jolay920 (52)
• Philippines
2 Feb 07
With the number of candidates running in the Philippines, the only ones who will stand a good chance of winning are the ones who are known.
I just wish he'd think of the disadvantages of being in politics. The most being he'd have to give up his career as a boxer! He's done a lot of good in the Philippines by winning, and it'll be such a pity if he'd give that all up...there is a risk that he'll ruin his good name if he run for public office.