Congressman Pacquiao Meets More Political Criticism

Medardo B. Mendenilla of the Philippine Daily Inquirer has an article up on the progress and political life of Manny Pacquiao, who serves of course as a congressman in his home country, and it's more critique and worry toward Pacquiao's "other" career:

It is heartening to note that many concerned Filipinos wish for his retirement from boxing now while he is still fit and able, not only for his wellbeing but more for his awesome responsibilities as Rep. Emmanuel Pacquiao.

But it is sad to note that Malacañang in welcoming back the Pacman through deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte "look forward to your next fight … and that the rest of the country will be eagerly awaiting another spectacular match for the Pacman."

Ditto with the seeming unconcern of the leadership of the House of Representatives on the matter of Representative Pacquiao’s non-attendance, with nary a peep of protest from the supposed patriotic and non-political party-list representatives of Congress. What’s more, the champion’s return to the session was lavished with more time-consuming adulation, whereas time is of the essence for more productive work.

For those not interested in this stuff, well, sorry, but I find the dual newsworthiness of Pacquiao's career(s) to be pretty interesting, especially because the political aspirations just, I don't know, don't seem to fit. I believe he wants to end poverty and all that, and make a difference, but he just doesn't seem the "elected official" sort. I also like to hear the thoughts of the folks here who understand Philippine politics more than I do. That's not an invitation for a mass political discussion, but you know, it's the world's most popular boxer as the Congressman, so I figure it belongs to some degree.