Flip-flopping Pacquiao

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

WITHOUT a doubt we Filipinos fervidly adore our boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao for lifting our country in the field of professional sports. After his monumental loss in his last fight against Floyd Mayweather, he unabashedly said to the world that he was retiring and will run for the Philippine senate in the 2016 May elections. Luckily he won, bagging the seventh position out of twelve despite his pronouncement against the LGBT group that I surmise did not vote for him. I firmly believe that because of his golden deeds for the country being the only boxer in the world capturing eight different world titles in the history of boxing, the Filipino electorate reciprocated and gave him the senate slot in spite of his lack of academic preparation and little experience in politics. He promised to concentrate on his new given new tasks as a lawmaker, since he won’t be boxing anymore.

But fortunately or unfortunately, depends on how you look at it, he changed his mind and is now ready to box again. He said he already missed boxing, his passion and his means of livelihood to support his family, relatives and some friends close to him. Yes, he’s scheduled to fight WBO (World Boxing Organization) champion Jessie Vargas on November 5 (Nov. 6, PH time) in Las Vegas, Nevada, together with WBO super bantamweight king Nonito Donaire, Jr. in the co-main event to fight Mexican Jessie Magdaleno.

Pacman ate his words (again) for the third time. Yes, Pacman has a habit of flip-flopping and sometimes tactless. Recall his first. As a congressman, he was then a pro-life and sided with Roman Catholic bishops during the RH (Reproductive Health) bill deliberation only to be vocal about being a pro-death penalty (siding with Pres. Duterte’s restoration of death punishment). We also heard him say that if the International Boxing Association (AIBA) will allow professional boxers to fight in the Rio Olympics, he assured us he will be at the Rio Games and will try his best to win the first gold for our country. Well, AIBA allowed professional boxers and AIBA even gave Pacman the option to choose any weight category to represent our nation without entering the qualifying event, but eventually declined. His alibi – he was already retired in boxing.

But look what’s happening now. He’s on a comeback trail, he flip-flopped and ate his words anew. Pundits said Pacman, turning 38 on December 17, had a good chance to win a medal especially the elusive gold but he turned down the opportunity because no money was involved in the Olympics. It’s was simply the honor that was at stake yet this was contrary to what he proudly claimed before including the lyrics of his recorded songs. Pacman, I guess, doesn’t really care much about our country as far as gold medal hunting is concerned. I think it’s the money that comes first for him being a professional athlete. However, despite my disappointment over his constant flip-flopping, and lack of word of honor, I still wish him and Donaire the best of luck in their coming fights. Remember, their triumphs are also our victories. Siya nawa.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Then Jesus Christ said. “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. MARK 11: 24-25.
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