Pacquaio and Politics

When boxer Manny Pacquiao made history with his seventh WBO win in different weight categories, he made most of us joyous and proud, albeit momentarily. Even criminality held its axe. As a young man, this folk hero from General Santos City trained with discipline and hard work, even when finances were insufficient with loans drawn out. He has become a greatly skilled player inside the ring, and his recent win made him a billionaire in his 30s. A brilliant example of a hard-earned success.

With his present affluence, he wants to serve Saranggani Province by running as its Congressman in 2010. He has the money to do it, and the popularity that most probably makes a political candidate win. However, will he be a successful public servant?

Becoming a public servant means considering the welfare of the greater majority. It goes beyond self, family, relatives, friends, and kababayan or katribo. It could mean a number of people could get hurt for the sake of a greater number. In addition, those hurt could be one’s self, family, relatives, and friends.

It demands a personality that is more other-directed than individualistic. It is teamwork rather than a personal triumph. It is more of building a community of winners than making someone distinct from the rest.

It requires the mental skills of observation, analysis, discernment, and a moral sense of justice and equality. It becomes difficult when personal values conflict with those held by most.

At times, it entails sacrificing one’s resources for the public’s welfare, including money and property.

It is modeling on how to live life.

Would wishing Manny good luck make a difference?

GOOD LUCK MANNY!