Pimentel wants Pacquiao to become Mindanao peace negotiator

MANILA, Philippines - Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. suggested that the government should tap boxing champion Manny Pacquiao for the peace negotiations in the south.

He said the boxing icon, who is well respected by both Muslims and Christians in Mindanao, can breach the gap in the southern Philippines.

Pacquiao, named by President Arroyo as peace ambassador, should try his hand in solving the problem, Pimentel said as he recommended temporary cessation of military and police operations there to avoid further hostilities.

He should “go out there and talk to the leaders of the rebels” to stop the fighting, Pimentel said, reiterating the need to adopt the federal system to address the problem.

However, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said having Pacquiao as negotiator is an “act of desperation.”

“Negotiation is a different subject in law school, especially in graduate law school because it takes complicated skills. But since (we’re in) a different culture, that just might pass,” the feisty lady senator added. “I don’t really see what the harm is and something might come out of it. So if all parties are willing, why not?” Sen. Rodolfo Biazon shook his head in disbelief upon hearing Pimentel’s recommendation. Sen. Panfilo Lacson was also against it.

“What has Manny Pacquiao (done) that can surpass the efforts of the government, brilliant people in the past? The problem (in) being a negotiator is you must be given a high level of authority to conduct the negotiation,” Biazon said.

“I don’t know what kind of authority the government is willing to put in the hands of Manny Pacquiao,” he added.