Pacquiao kicks off campaign with Villar, Legarda

Seven-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao on Friday launched his second attempt at becoming a member of the lower house of Congress.

The Filipino boxing idol brought along his political allies, Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential bet Manny Villar and vice-presidential hopeful Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People's Coalition, in the province of Sarangani, where he is seeking the lone congressional seat.

Pacquiao also brought his wife Jinkee and 3 of their 4 children to the campaign sortie.

The Filipino champ said he is excited about the next 45 days of campaigning.

He is running against Roy Chiongbian, brother of outgoing Sarangani Rep. Erwin Chiongbian.

The Chiongbians are an influential political family in Sarangani, and one analyst has predicted that Pacquiao will face a tough fight. (Read: Pacquiao faces tough fight vs Chiongbians)

Pacquiao said he will apply the same focus, discipline and dedication he uses in preparing for his boxing matches in his new political battle.

The General Santos native, who is seeking a seat in Sarangani where his wife comes from, vowed to fight for the poor, just like how he fought out of his way of poverty.

“Diyan ako lumaki [sa kahirapan]. Nag-aral, nagbenta ng sampaguita, pandesal,” said Pacquiao.

“’Pag sinabi nila mahirap, alam ko ibig sabihin,” he said.

Pacquiao said that although the Chiongbians are known to be well entrenched in Sarangani, he believes he still has the advantage when it comes to popularity.

“Hindi naman ako underdog, eh,” he said. “Sa mga survey lamang ako.”

Chiongbian spends birthday with supporters
While Pacquiao kicked off his bid with a rousing political sortie, Chiongbian celebrated his 61st birthday in a Mass with his supporters.

Chiongbian admitted that it won’t be easy opposing somebody as popular as Pacquiao, but he welcomed the challenge.

“I am preparing now for a rigid schedule in campaigning,” he said.
Chiongbian said boxing is entirely different from politics.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, said he will still press for the disqualification of Chiongbian.

In a 6-page ruling, the Comelec 1st division said Chiongbian was not able to meet the 1-year residency requirement, and is thus not eligible to run in Sarangani.

“We have filed for a motion for reconsideration. Na-dismiss lang ‘yon dahil sa nagkulang kami sa mga ebidensiya,” said Pacquiao.

Chiongbian, however, merely shrugged off Pacquiao’s comment. “They can always file for a reconsideration,” he said.