Manny , dont risk your hard earn money into politics. Politics is a dirty game. You have enough money why you run for politics for salary is nothing. Those people who encourage you they just want to use you being popular and the will use you and use your money.

Get out from dirty politics my friend. I can guarantee you.. you will not win stay being a boxer that is your profession nothing else. Build good business empire instead go into property being developer or buy property in Australia as your investment. Stay away with those people who encourage you to enter into dirty game. Dont be fool with those people who think you will win. You would like Estrada he was use by his close friends what happened to him he ended into jail. Do you want to be like him? please stay where you are dont be carried away by those sweet word , I can tell you , you will not win.. but boxing yes you would be another champion, in politics you would not be a champion. At the end you would be a loser I can tell you now.

Before we used to ignorantly vote actors and athletes who were running for elections, but then we had President Erap. He was a buffoon who couldn't plan beyond what he would drink that night and he plundered the country like it was his own personal piggy bank. We must not make the same mistake twice.

It really matters who you elect as president. America knows that.

I am a Filipino. Admittedly,something in our culture is conducive to the idea that anyone who becomes world-famous should run for elective office,including congress and even the presidency. (David Beckham for British MP,anyone?) Never mind if he or she has no education,experience nor qualifications to do so,as long as there is money flowing in,and there are hangers-on to keep morale boosted for the long and costly fight. Manny,for all his achievements in the ring, has been mesmerized by politics and he can't resist the temptation of absolute power. Apparently, the adoring populace are "clamoring" for him to run. Actually many of those who line up to see him,cheer him or shake his hand only want a share or "balato" of his prize money. Many Filipino politicians would kill just to be seen or photographed with Manny,hoping that the adoration of the populace would rub on them. Manny enjoys the ongoing media circus,being a typical happy-go lucky Filipino. He is the unofficial "spokesperson" of the hugely unpopular Arroyo administration,and his favorite battle cry is the most abused political slogan "Magkaisa na tayong lahat". (Let us all be united) But as an average educated Filipino,I often ask myself: United in what? We can't even agree on what to agree on. For all his unpredictability in the boxing ring that spelled doom to all his opponents,Manny is proving himself to be too predictable in the political ring.

Manny Pacquiao, if he really wants to do something for the coungty,
Politics is not the only way. He can put up charitable institution, like
sports center for the poor and homeless, or a boxing academy.
Why politics? He doesn't have the proper background, at the end he will just be a handicap. Bill and Melinda Gates are
helping people through chariity and not politics.

I am sure that he really want to reach out and help in his home town however, politics is not the solution to it. He has done actually more as a boxer than those politicians serving in his province. I also believed that the Filipinos are now more intelligent in choosing their leaders. He had given us the honor to be proud of who we are by showing his power in boxing, I hope he would rethink of his decision.

Manny has shown that he has remained humble despite his international success – a trait not shown by any politician in the country. His advantages includes not only being a popular boxer but also by being born poor and ending up successful through working hard. A lot of people in the Philippines will identify with that. Manny apparently has given financial help to a lot of people yet it is not clear what programs and mechanisms he will put forward to alleviate poverty in his local province. Whether he becomes successful or not remains to be seen. He has a habit of pulling surprises when odds are against him. Manny is popular in the Philippines because he provides inspiration to a country that is politically divided. He has filled in that void in a country wherein you can no longer look up to its political leaders. If he does decide to run in next year's elections and win, he better ensure that he can still be that source of inspiration. Otherwise, I certainly hope that he will lose again.

I bet you will say, you want to serve your people, thus going into Politics. But cmon you can also serve others by not going into politics. Follow Bill Gates and do Humanitarian work. There are organizations that deal with direct 'help' in the Philippines.

Support groups like Gawad Kalinga, The Red Cross and other Noble causes. Politics will suck you in a Black Hole and will you can never come back.

no manny, not in politics!

that's stupid step, just focus on your boxing career

Why don't we give Manny a chance. Every Filipino people has the chance to run for a place in our government, that is what the Philippine Constitution says. And Manny's purpose for running a position in congress is to help the people. He was poor before and are one with the poor people, so he knows what it feels like be in that situation. That is why he has a desire to help. Let us not underestimate our Champ just because he did not finish a degree in time to have our confidence in him as a politician. But let us have faith in Him just as the Philippine Constitution has faith in every Filipino people regarding to the elections. (any Filipino people can run for elections)

i already did. in fact, i said to give manny a chance because he can probably pull it off more than anybody could. just be kind as manny has always been.

If the choice to go into politics is to move from one career to another, there are worse candidates, but clearly better qualified. However, if the choice to go into Politics is remove poverty, disease and suffering, then it might be a fight beyond Manny's capabilities and a far greater challenge than any faced in the ring. It is for Manny to disclose his reasons and his objectives and the people of the Philippines to comment. He could be one of the greatest people in the history of the Philippines. The Philippines needs steady and sustainable economic growth converted into social and economic reform. Let's face it, it will not be hard to improve on what the Philippines now calls government.

Even @ Facebook, there is a call for Pacquiao not to run.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=96229697754

I watched your fight & when the announcer introduced you that you are from Saranggani province..then i realized that you will try to be in politics again..comments here are all true..you can help our less fortunate people even if your not a politician Manny..don't try politics it is really a VERY DIRTY DIRTY GAME!! C'mon i am your greatest fan but please use your common sense..when it comes to this.
use your hard earned money in a more blessful ways..
I will tell you right now if you if u put yourself in this crazy game..then I will start to throw all my collections of your fights.
If you will be in politics you will forget to kneel down..

Manny's political ambition is his own choice, granting he is not influenced by those leeches that sorround him. Having said that, he should take a closer look and examine the political ring that he's going to fight. It's not as easy as it seems. He may have the fame and charisma to draw people but it doesn't guarrantee a win in the election. He may have the power punch to knock his oponents out but he doesn't have the fist to knock the problem of the country. He may have the speed to elude his enemies but he doesn't have the quickness to duck against those "Trapos" that cling to him. He may have the tenacity as a warrior but politics is a different arena. He has proven himself in the ring but he has not proven himself in decision making. He has limited knowledge in "simple" things like who's gonna air his fight among others. How much more in running a complicated post where corruption dwells. He should stick his nose in the ring and continue the fight he has started. He's an inspiration to people.Manny, stay there and consider what is best for you. Hang up your gloves when you have enough.... by that time you might end up be a little wiser.

Allow Pacman to go into politics. With him around, the politicians will be too afraid to steal money for the fear of being beaten up. He wants to help his people!

Manny, I'm proud of your achievements. You can still help the poor in many ways but not through politics. You dont need Political Power.
just build a Pacquiao Foundation.

I will not vote for him...

Politics is power and for people who reached a degree of prominence and popularity, this is achievable just like movie stars. Manny is pursuing a platform of "helping the poor" but soon he will be swallowed by the dirty, corrupt, shallow, unforgiving politics. I support Manny's political ambitions under his new political party for as long as it remains independent, unsullied and not aligned with any of the existing political organizations

It takes experience, a good education, and the ability to rise above the graft and greed in Filipino politics that has impoverished the majority of Filipinos, and the willingness to follow Jose Rizal instead of the Spanish who enslaved the Filipinos and called them monkeys; or the new Spanish(the rich: 5% of the population) who look down upon the average Filipino and speak English in their mansions. The Philippines doesn't need another movie star. They need a David who is willing to stand against Goliath; a leader of the people, not a puppet of the rich.

Manny, one doesnt have to necessarily be in politics to help the nations people.Most successful athletes just put up charity organizations in their name to facilitate your vision of helping the country.I am aware and I believe he is being manipulated by some politicians to run so these politicians are secured a position as soon as manny holds office.

It is true that each and every Filipino has the right to run in an election. But the point most of us is trying to make that with his popularity, money, and connections – he doesn't need an electoral mandate or the government bureaucracy to effect change or get things done. I mean, those elected has not actually been getting anything done anyway, right?

Support all the existing NGO's, there's hundreds to choose from – environment, women's rights, child abuse, education, farmer's rights, historical preservation, sports, etc..

Instead of running, run away from this fight Manny. Quit while you're ahead.

The nation values you extremely as a FILIPINO BOXER. However, the Filipinos are maturing voters, your first loss is already an indication that the people do not believe in you as a politician and this is not a criticism of you as a person, but you are seen to be more effective elsewhere. Listen to us, your voters, now. Go beyond the people around you.

I am Filipino and proud of Manny Pacquiao, but I and I am not alone in the belief that his contribution will not be as wonderful in the political arena.

I think Manny is a great boxer and all and he can be an effective politician. He can use his charisma to unite the people. However, it would be better if he proves his worth in the local level first before plunging into the dirty world of national politics. Philippine politics is unforgiving, I hope he changes his mind. He can serve the people in other ways. Obviously he is just being used and manipulated by some politicians to their advantage.

manny, take note and heed this advice very well...why not use your money, power and influence by leading politicians instead to support your advocacies and your own vision for the country?...with your stature, they need you more than you need them..that way you will be a representative of all Filipinos and not just general santos or saranggani...no political enemies too...a true people's champ! so dont run for politics...be just the old manny and make dreams come true for all!

Manny, to help you decide for your political aspiration, conduct a survey by voting online if the people will vote for you this coming election.

The public perception that Manny will not be fit for public office is likely largely based on the fact that he is currently surrounded by a hoard what are called "trapos" (or traditional politicians). The big question seems to be – can Manny really act independently from these trapos and implement a platform that is directed towards achieving his vision? To this day, we have not been clearly informed as to what his vision or platform for public service will be. Although the elections are a year away, there are many names that are being considered for various electoral positions. Manny would be better appreciated if he urges that Filipino people to vote responsibly and to focus on issues rather than personalities. Jumping haphazadly into the Philippine political circus might compromise the good name and reputation he has worked so hard to develop and tarnish his status as an icon and role model.

No Manny!

Joining politics is like boxing your own self in the grand ring. If you remain in your profession your game brings peace in the Philippines in every round of your game. That's more than politics!

Hope to hear from you!

Pacquiao may be a champ in the boxing ring but please, not in politics. Letting him seat into the public takes the public at stake. No more wastage of Filipino taxpayer's money. I can't let myself be fooled again. There's already tons of them.

There are tons of ways for helping poor Filipino people, why enter that filthy industry?

And I thought he's different. He's a very good boxer. What he needs to do is invest his money wisely for his family's future esp the children. He doesn't need to enter into this dirty game – I think boxing is a lot cleaner game than politics and not to mention Philippine politics. He's a clean guy, I just hope he doesn't blemish his image by entering into politics.

I cannot blame pacman if he becomes ambitious in his current status. he knows, he can easily afford whatever he wants to lay his hand on.
but i believe he should set aside political ambitions right now until he is ready. as of now for the next two years, i believe he has contract to fulfil with his sports carreer.
so why won't he just enjoy his boxing championship right now without complications. he can share his fortune in so may other ways.

2 years ago, I heard that Pacman wanted to enter politics & right away, I said, he will only put his money to the drain. Now, after his fights with Diaz, Dela Hoya & Hatton, I say, this man has a tremendous FOCUS & I believe he can do a lot for the Filipino people. As a country, Philippines doesn't need a scientist or a doctoral degree to run a certain town or city. The Philippines needed a very basic man with a passion to help people & disciplined to push through whatever stumbling blocks he may face along the way. Manny's rise from 105 lbs to 140 lbs is a clear indication that if you have faith in yourself, faith in God & his desire to win inspite the odds (David & Goliath) has proven us that nothing is impossible. Pacman has a great FOCUS, (Follow One Course Until Sucessfull). Keep it up Manny & prove once again to your fellow Filipinos that they are wrong. You are truly a legend & I wish every Filipino politician & Filipinos alike would think the other way, "As a Filipino, have I done something to help the country or am I part of a corruption either in Government or Private institution?"

Manny, I am not a Phillipino but you impressed me thoroughly by your power and ring-intelligence. Heed the people; stay off elective politics. You won in boxing because it is a clean game with rules and orderliness. Not with politics.

But hey!!! You could be a good ambassador and advocate on a subject that is dearest to your heart. That is still a branch of politics.....But that is just an advice. The decision is yours, bro.

You should just build a sport foundation instead of going into politics. Build a gym in all the provinces of the Philippines. Maybe another Pacman is just waiting for the right training.

If Manny really wants to try his luck again in politics, I think there's a better chance for him to win if he runs for Mayor and maybe he can become a good and effective Mayor, but running for Congressman would be a tall order for him since he lack educational background and no experience in legislation so he might end up being knock out again in politics.

Manny you above politics, stay there.

Pacman was roundly defeated by the incumbent Darlene Antonino in 2007 elections when the former tried for the first time to enter politics. The Filipino electorate has become more intelligent when it comes to electing celebrities tooffice.What will he do there in Congress if and when he gets elected, God forbid?

Assuming that his intentions are for the best of the Philippines.. I think he will just be used by the corrupt politicians in the country.. haven't you guys notice how much Chavit (I assume you all know Chavit related to the downfall of Erap) sticks his face near Manny whenever he is shown in TV?

He is just being used for his popularity!

Just you wait for his motorcade in the Philippines.. U'll see those politicians taking advantage of his popularity..

We should also learn from the way he ignored the WHO & his local government in placing himself into quarantine.. If he really wants the best for his country then what is a few days of delaying his heroes welcome? His disregard just shows how much he really cares for the Filipinos... I think he should just stay in boxing..

I am disappointed that Manny pushed his way to the Philippines despite the warnings from the Department of Health. He clearly violated some rules using his popularity. He could indeed have raised the awareness against the spreading flu. He could have shown that even a popular person like him still abides the rules.

I am a Filipino who was once proud of Manny Pacquiao. It is clear how fame can swell a person's ego. If right now he can use his boxing championship to bully rules, what else will he do when he is given the power to rule the country?

Aah, Manny, you make me sad. Politics is not that bad, but our version in the Philippines is. You are going into a basket full of rotting and stinking bananas. I know you are sincere, energetic, determined and all, but our politics has a habit of making good bananas turn bad, or at least sour. Imperceptibly, perhaps, but the general trend is there. There is a chance you will do well in politics, but I'm afraid there is a much bigger chance you won't.

Why not put your efforts and money into helping poor people get proper education? Put up a foundation that will offer well-supported quality college education. There are so many excellent but poor Filipinos who may be able to accomplish many good things later in life but won't just because they can't afford a good education now. It is to your credit you overcame so many extreme difficulties, but you are one of the rare ones, at least in boxing, and you discovered your talent on time and without having to finish school. And you are blessed. Many do not have that luck; they need school to get it.

Now that's one good cause. We are, as a rule, a grateful people. I am confident that some of those you will help will, in their turn, help others after them and so on, cascading down the generations. Even if they will no longer remember you and your family, that will be worth a lifetime of accomplishment. If it was me, I'd surely still be very glad.

Let's give Manny the benefit of the doubt. Everyone is entitled to pursue his own happiness. If running for political office is one of the inner voices in Manny's heart, then so be it. At the of the day, he and he alone reaps the results of his decisions. If he wants to improve himself in boxing or to self destruct by entering the dark world of politics, let him be. Manny will definitely learn from his experience. I just hope, he does not end up a corrupted soul.

Manny has become a puppet to the politicians who have their own selfish interests to protect. One thing is definite, once the popularity of Manny wanes, so too would be the support of the politicians who are "pushing" him to run. This is the politics in the Philippines. It is more of a popularity contest than a genuine avenue to serve the people.

The Filipino people know this but are now resigned to the system of politics based on patronage and fame and not on genuine will to serve.

This is the sad reality of my country.

I agree with those people that politics is not the only way to help the Filipino people. When I read from CNN that there was a call from an authority for Pacman to stay in the state to quarantine himself, I just couldn't wait how he will respond. And well just a few hours, I got what I'm waiting for, Pacman will still go back. A boxing hero, yes no doubt, but a nation's hero, is yet to be seen.

Regarding the swine flu hoopla about Manny's return and the governments critisizm of him not wanting to be quarantined. I wonder if the Education Secretary realizes that there are 12 flights per day arriving from the USA to Manila, all with passengers. There are also 40 flights per day from Hong Kong and Singapore, all connecting points for flights from the USA.

How ignorant the “Government circles” look for any making known their intention to quarantine Manny, while thousands of tourists and locals are arriving each day from the USA directly or indirectly.

Could it be that the government is on edge with the comments Manny made about running for president. The comments he made sent a major ripple through the establishment in Manila. Manny could sway a lot of voters and although vote buying is the norm, it could actually sway an election not seen since Erap won his landslide against all the votes the De Venecia could buy….

Manny being president would be uncomfortable for everyone. No Skeletons to blackmail him with, no way to buy him off or pay for his favors (The man is very wealthy already). He might encourage good government and stamp our corruption, which would decimate the entire political system of earning tons of money by racketering.

I think that they would love to see Manny stay out of Politics too…….

I am a Filipino. Personally I hope Manny does not go into politics.
But it's his choice. He can do whatever he wants. He is an adult.
He should be prepared for the consequences of his decision.
Basically he has only two to three good years left in boxing. So if he thinks politics is his future calling, then so be it. I think he has already many businesses that provides jobs, so at least we know that some of his money is put into productive use. Also, who knows, he may have already given sizeable donations to various charities (albeit without the glare of publicity).

Also , a reminder to Filipinos, and a nugget of info for foreigners:

1. Minimum age of a candidate for Philippine president is 40.
Manny does not reach that age until 2018. Next presidential election
after that is 2022.
2. Minimum age of candidate for Philippine senator elected at large is
35. He does not reach that age until late 2013. Next election where
he may be eligible is 2016.

So Filipinos out there who are nervous or disturbed of a Pacquiao candidacy for nationally elected office, you can still relax. Maybe by that
time he may have proven himself fit for office (or otherwise).

He will only be gunning for a local position next year. And if he wins, whatever benefits (or damage) his election may bring may only be confined to his district/province.

However, if the constitution is changed, then all bets are off. :)

So chill for now.

Let him do what he wants. It's better to have manny pacman than another ordinary dirty politicians around. That's why we have democracy, If He wants to join politics ,then that's he's option to exercise freedom of choice!

Manny stay away from politics. That world is dirty and complicated . It is filled with people who are ambitious and greedy. You belong to the sports world ,stay there. You are rich, use your resources to help the poor Filipinos. Follow the footsteps of Mr. Bill Gates and Mr. Buffet. Join their cause to irradicate malaria and other diseases. That would be more life fulfilling than being a politician. Think of your family specially the legacy that you will leave behind someday to your children and other children of the Philippines.

He better get elected before floyd maywether knocks him out or he will lose alot of momentum in politics once they see he's not invincible

From a non-famous Manny to a famous one, I say – Don't do it.
A line from a song "Fools rush in..."
Don't be a fool. However you are entitled to experience life as you see fit. Go ahead then. It breaks my heart if you do.
I like to see you undamaged enjoying your family and retired from boxing.

Manny, before you rush into anything, give Arnold a call and see what advice "the Governator" might have for you. After all, he was a former body builder. Good Luck !

(Teacher,QC)

Please do not go into politics. Heed what the others are saying. If you want to do good for your people, you can donate quality educational books to the public schools in the remote provinces or give to the numerous charities that caters to children who are in need. But stay away from politics.

what? believe me the guy is a great boxer,but a political leader i doubt it..while he stands to be one of the most popular persona in our country, we dont need him to run for any public office,we have enough headaches from the ones that we have right now..so please dont bother running

he is one of the best in HIS field.that is boxing.stick to it or just retire and spend time with the kids.but DO NOT go into politics as you know nothing about