Boxing torchbearer Pacquiao ready for ambassador, DOJ roles

MANILA, Philippines – He already carries the torch for boxing following the retirement of erstwhile top draw Oscar De La Hoya and now Filipino pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao is faced with new roles back home. The Pacman is also the Philippine government’s new “Sugo ng Kapayaan at Pagkakaunawaan" or Ambassador of Peace and Understanding and the Department of Justice’s special assistant to Secretary Raul Gonzalez on intelligence matters. The two titles are basically honorary in nature but not one to shirk from responsibility, the boxing superstar gracefully accepted his new roles on Monday during the government-organized “National Day of Celebration" for his recent victory over Ricky Hatton. On being “ambassador," Pacquiao said in an interview on QTV’s Balitanghali: “Iyun naman talaga ang hangad ko sa bansa, kapayapaan at pagkakaunawaan [Peace and understanding are exactly what I envision for the Philippines]." President Arroyo herself bestowed the title on the ring icon, apparently in recognition of how he makes a divided nation unite when he fights, to the point of the secessionists and the military putting a halt to hostilities to watch him do his stuff inside the ring. On being a DOJ agent, Pacquiao said: “Masaya rin ako sa pagbibigay sa akin ng tiwala [I’m happy for the DOJ’s trust.]." In this role (a pro bono job, Gonzalez maintained), the 30-year-old Pacquiao would lend a hand in gathering intelligence reports on security matters. Pacquiao’s new "titles" testify how the boxing’s top attraction transcends the sport. This has been all the more verified when TIME Magazine named him among its 100 Most Influential People in the world list, finishing NO. 22 overall in the respected magazine’s online voting. Quoting the famous tag-line of the Spider-man movies, Pacquiao said he is aware of how great his responsibility is. “Medyo napag-isip ako ng kaunti sa karangalang aking natatanggap sa mga panahong ito. Malaki ang aking responsibilidad sa bansa at sa aking kapwa Pilipino at dapat kong pangalagaan ang dignidad ng aking natamong mga karangalan. Hindi rin biro na mabigyan ng ganitong mga parangal," he wrote in his “Kumbinasyon" column for Abante and PhilBoxing.Com. [The accolades and titles that come my way made me think about my great responsibility, especially to the Philippines and the Filipino people. I would have to protect them with all dignity.] And should reported 2010 plans push through and his provincemates at Kiamba, Sarangani cooperate this time, Pacquiao may find himself tasked with a new job – one that would have him formulating resolutions and attending numerous hearings. But of course, fight fans would want him to concentrate more on his current job as boxing’s most exciting fighter and premier box-office draw. -GMANews.TV