Pacquiao for President

In a law school library, I met the young Atty. Val Loon, the other day. He spoke to me almost in whispers in deference to the intellectual rather than social environment. But, I could discern the excitement that was building up in his system.

Early in the morning that day, Atty. Loon saw the tv interview of Manny Pacquiao. I witnessed it too. In the video footage, the boxer explained why he was seeking a congressional seat. Manny, obviously gifted not only with fast and powerful fists but with gab as well, did not have to grope for words. His candid statement disarmed the young lawyer what with such ultimate pro-poor program as "work for the jobless, medicine for the sick and education for the illiterate" (my best translation from the words of Manny).

Seeing an inevitable Pacquiao electoral win against incumbent Rep. Darlene Custodio, Atty. Loon pointed out an added reason for a constitutional amendment after the May 2007 polls. He said that our charter must be changed, not to effect a shift from presidential to parliamentary form of government but to lower the age qualification for president so that in the year 2010, Manny Pacquiao would be qualified to run for president.

I was Atty. Loon's keen listener. In the lawyer's mind, this early, things must be set up for that eventual Pacquiao presidency. For instance, Sen. Lito Lapid, who, he believes, will defeat Atty. Jejomar Binay as Makati Mayor, has to be groomed to be Manny's vice president. Considering the laudable education scheme of Pacquiao, Lapid has to go to college in order to symbolize as the first beneficiary of the program.

If King Arthur had a round table full of gallant knights, Manny's reign must be just as complete. Actor Richard Gomez, who, judging from hordes of screaming fans, is destined to win as a senator in the coming elections, should be voted as the next senate president. Senators Ralph Recto and Francis Pangilinan should be gallant enough to withdraw their candidacies and be substituted by their beautiful wives, Vilma Santos, dubbed as "star for all seasons", and "mega star" Sharon Cuneta. At the senate halls, they will join their comrade, actor-senator Tito Sotto. Of course, the upper chamber is nothing if we do not return Robert Jaworski and Ramon "Pepeng Agimat" Revilla there.

How about the lower house? Atty. Loon was ready and quick. He thinks of Errol Mirabiles, famous as Budoy of the Original Sigbin fame, and knock-out artist Bert Batawang to represent the city north and south. In Cebu province's first district, Cong. Eduardo R. Gullas should yield his post to either Bernabe Villacampo or Franklin Cedeño, both former world boxing champions. We can choose either Randy Suico (or Z Gorres, if he qualifies) to replace Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, while the Boholanos may toss up Yoyoy Villame. To complete the cast, our brothers in Luzon can put up Efren "Bata" Reyes or Jimmy "Bondying" Santos to take over the speakership.

Let us not take the idea of Atty. Loon as a characteristic lampoon. Indeed, let us view it in a correct perspective. He argues that we badly need the unity of both the governors and governed, as well as oneness of our direction and commonality of our intention. At present, there is no one man who has the capability to unite our people. Did we not become a united nation when Pacquiao carried our national colors in his fights?

Manny is decisive. Better still, he does not apologize for doing what he may be doing. Imagine, while he reportedly had a live contract with a promotions firm, he allegedly signed another instrument containing conflicting rights with another company and yet, he never felt bothered at all! Not even our sitting president has that boldness of action. Remember that she expressed her apology for lapse of judgment in connection with the "Hello Garci" scandal.

Atty. Loon cited startling points too many to write here. I found no other repartee but "no lo contendere". As we broke our remarkable discussion, we agreed on two concerns: First, to help push Pacquiao for president. Second, before doing so, we need to get the clearance from the national mental hospital for whatever purposes.

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