Stick to boxing, bishop urges Pacquiao

By Dennis Carcamo

MANILA, Philippines – People's champion Manny Pacquiao should stick to boxing instead of running for Congress in 2010, a Church official today said.

Marbel bishop Dinualdo Gutirrez said if Pacquiao really wants to help his constituents in Saranggani province, the world's No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer can put up a foundation that will send children to school or provide jobs to the unemployed.

"He could put up a foundation for example, scholarships, foundation for health care, foundation for a jobs, he can do that instead. He must capitalize on his stature to get some credible and competent people to manage the foundation," Gutierrez said today in an interview with the Church-run Radio Veritas.

The bishop said Pacquiao will most likely lose again in his congressional, this time in Saranggani province, for his lack of political experience and credibility. He previously ran for congressman in South Cotabato and suffered a lopsided defeat to incumbent Darlene Custodio.

"Here we follow the three three Cs in voting candidates: credibility, commitment and competence. (In the) last election, we said he (Pacquiao) had credibility. He also had commitment to the Filipino people especially the poor. But in the field of competence, he fails. And this time, even his credibility is being questioned now," Gutierrez said.

He said Pacquiao's association with gamblers is also one factor that would go against the boxing icon.

"Especially with his gambler friends and the way he is getting lands here are all questionable. We have to look into that deeper," he said.

Gutierrez claimed that some friends and administration officials are the ones who have prodded Pacquiao to run for an elective post despite his lack of political experience.