Pacquiao may vie for QC congressional post in 2010 - solon

MANILA, Philippines - After his unsuccessful congressional run in his hometown General Santos City, boxing champ Manny Pacquiao may run as congressman of the second district of Quezon City in 2010, the lawmaker currently sitting on the post disclosed Monday. In an interview, Quezon City Rep. Mary Ann Susano said a "group of people" composed of "businessmen and religious leaders" talked to Pacquiao a week before he left for Las Vegas offering him if he wanted to run for the post. "Inalok sa kanya, inalok naman sa akin isang position. It's a dream team (He was offered the candidacy, while another position was offered for me)," said Susano, although she refused to disclose what position was offered her. In 2007, Pacquiao ran as congressman for the first district of South Cotabato but lost to Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio. Asked if the "group of people" who held the meeting were influential, Susano said: "Very. And respectable people." Susano said as far as she knows, Pacquiao - who hails from General Santos City - owns a property in Quezon City, adding that she favors Pacquiao's possible candidacy. "Pacquiao, giving his vision, his goal, kayang kaya niya ang distrito (he can run the district well)," she said. Susano, a member of Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), said she still cannot say what party they will run under if Pacquiao decides to pursue the candidacy. According to the lawmaker, Pacquiao said he will give his final decision when he returns to the Philippines. "He was there (in the meeting)... Sabi niya pagbalik niya final na (He said he will give his final decision when he returns)," she said. Pacquiao is set to arrive in Manila Wednesday. Pacquiao on Sunday (Manila time) defeated boxing's "Golden Boy" Oscar dela Hoya after eight rounds in their fight in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV