Calls for Manny Pacquiao to Shun Politics in his Country Mount

In a few weeks, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will have to decide if he is running for an elective position in government or continue his winning streak in boxing after demolishing Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto to snatch the WBO championship belt.

Persistent calls from fans and supporters of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao continue to dominate the Internet and print media pages asking Pacquaio to shun politics after his successful attempt to get his seventh win in seven different weight divisions. Most of the fans suggest that the pound-for-pound king should concentrate on what he does best - boxing. But others say that boxing as a profession is just temporary because a boxer can only excel while he is on his prime age. Still others say that Pacquiao should continue fighting. If Mommy Dionisia, the mother of Pacquiao, were to decide for her son, she will ask Manny to quit boxing now as she witnessed the boxer's swollen face after his fight with Miguel Cotto. Judging from the reaction from a cross-section of Filipino boxing fans, it is evident they want Pacquiao to do one or two more fights and then retire for good. But most of them want him to shun politics. They say politics will ruin him. Inquirer.net reports:

When the time comes to ponder whether to hang up his gloves, pursue politics, or go into show biz after his historic ring feat, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao would do well to listen to his heart’s desire.

Malacañang on Monday gave this piece of unsolicited advice to the champ as it worked out preparations for a hero’s welcome for the man it said deserved to be in the Guinness World Records.

Obviously, Malacanang Palace wants Manny Pacquiao to pursue his political plans. The Filipino boxer has been long identified as an administration ally. Pacquiao has endorsed some social projects of the Arroyo administration and appeared in some advertisements sponsored by line agencies of the government. In the next few weeks Pacquiao will have to decide between politics and boxing as the country's next national election draws near.