By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

 

THE talk of our country these days is the political word war between world-boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and our president Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Pacman’s bashers said the fighting lawmaker is not suited to run our troubled country, he does not have the education credentials to fully understand governance. But Pacman’s supporters think otherwise, saying that the fellow from Mindanao is already ready for the position being a former congressman and now a senator.

The pros and cons have their own views and if you weigh them intelligently, they may both be correct. True enough, Pacman is already a skilled legislator but still lacks the tested leadership to run a town, city or a province because he was never been there.

To be a lawmaker is so different to be the top executive of a place.  So I believe Pacman is still raw and unprepared to face the tasks reserved for the highest official of the land knowing the challenges and problems this nation is facing since the beginning of the pandemic. Pacman is just 42 years of age and should consider running first as a vice president of the land which I believe he has better chances of winning than in his presidential hunt. He needs more experience in executive management and leadership and he should be ready for his time to be resident at the age of 48. Yes, he blundered by prematurely announcing his intent to run for the presidency. Consequently, he is being bashed more than getting encouragement from his fans. I’m afraid his situation today could distract him for his becoming world welterweight (147 lbs.) unification title battle against the 29-year-old Errol Spence, Jr. this August 21 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In my opinion, he should have announced his presidential plans announcement after his clash with Spence to avoid serious mental distraction. But perhaps, the more his critics lambast him, he hopes that the general public (silent majority) will pity him and help him win the presidency.
That’s the Filipino way. Let’s just wait and see.

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The NBA’s best-of-seven series championship games this season already started last Wednesday (July 7) with Phoenix Suns winning the first round, 118-105, against the Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix home court. The Phoenix Suns’ 36 year-old Chris Paul virtuoso guard veteran scored a game high 32 points to pace his team to victory despite the presence of Bucks two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokuonmpo. Antetokuonmpo was listed as doubtful starter due to his knee injury but I was surprised he came up resilient scoring 20 points but not enough to humiliate the Suns at their home court.

 This is Suns first championship appearance after 1993 and never won a since entering NBA in 1968. Milwaukee won the title in 1971 spearheaded by 7’2” center Kareem Abdul Jabbar, then called as Lew Alcindor. This season is their first in the championship after 1974. Phoenix still hosts the second game on Friday (July 9).

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After 16 years of sports writing weekly in this paper since July 5, 2005 and failing to submit only one when I was in Dubai in 2019, I will take a leave of absence for just a month to rest. For sure I will miss you my dear readers. Yes, this paper is undoubtedly the oldest and the number one weekly tabloid in Pangasinan. See you guys again in August.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 THESSALONIANS 1: 8

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