Growing up, I have seen each and every fight of the world boxing champion – Manny Pacquiao. He is the national athlete that represents the Philippines, admired by people and called him the pride of the country. He is well-known for his boxing career and got recognized from nation to nation.
But when Pacquiao entered the world of politics, it sparked controversies questioning his qualifications and competencies as a politician. Regardless of the criticisms he got from the people a decade ago, Manny Pacquiao still became a congressman and despite further criticisms, he is now a senator making a tilt for the country’s highest office.
He claims to have the capability to become the next President of the Philippines as he announced in his official Twitter account stating that he accepts the challenge of running for Presidency in the upcoming 2022 elections. In terms of politics, he is known for his generosity and hauling himself out of poverty to become one of the world’s greatest and wealthiest men, his boxing credentials along with fighting poverty and corruption are likely to be the key themes of his campaign.
Upon watching his interview with Toni Gonzaga in her YouTube channel (ToniTalks), I saw a God-fearing and righteous man, passionate for helping people and determined in putting an end to corruption in the country. Manny Pacquiao expressed great dedication in serving the people of the Philippines. His intentions are pure and objective.
But isn’t that all who run for the highest position in the government make all the same statements? Let’s say Manny Pacquiao is different from other politicians, does that make him a perfect candidate for the Presidency? I stand opposed to what he said in his twitter post, now is not the time and experience wise, he is not yet ready for the position.
His religious beliefs might be a spot of weakness that could hinder him from making valuable judgements if he becomes the next President. He might have done so much in his home province with his Manny Pacquiao Foundation (MFP), housing for the informal settlers and all his other charitable causes but leading a whole country to economic development and eradicating a corrupt system holds a huge weight of words. It needs a certain level of credentials, experience and qualifications.
Presidency is not only about leading people and leading change. It involves communicating and building coalitions, negotiating with other world leaders, working with the people in the government who can help solve issues and identify the internal and external forces that impact the work of the government. And most importantly making crucial decisions that could only result in a country’s development or destruction. Manny Pacquiao’s experience and qualifications as a politician needs more honing. For now, it does not correspond to the competencies needed for a President.
Photo Credit: Facebook/MannyPacquiao
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of POLITICO.PH
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Clarisse Rafols is a student at the University of the East, taking up Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She is a former officer of UE Journalism Society and is currently an intern for Politico aiming to become a learned journalist to serve the general public with factual information.
