Pacquiao formally joins Nacionalista Party

Saying that they both rose from the ranks, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao decided to support the presidential bid of Sen. Manny Villar Jr. in the 2010 elections. Pacquiao, who formally took his oath as the newest member of the Nacionalista Party, will be NP’s congressional bet in Saranggani province’s lone district where he would face a member of the powerful Chiongbian clan. Villar himself led the oath-taking ceremony, which took place at a little over 1:30 a.m. on Friday, held at Pacquiao's mansion in General Santos City after the seven division world champion’s celebration of his 31st birthday at KCC events convention center Thursday night. “Kung tutuusin kasi ako galing sa mahirap at siya (Villar) din ay galing sa mahirap. Siya ang karapat dapat na suportahan ko dahil alam niya ang damdamin ng mahirap," said Pacquiao, who is seeking the congressional post in his wife Jinkee’s hometown province, when interviewed by Unang Hirit. Interestingly, Pacquiao ran under the administration ticket when he sought South Cotabato's first district in 2007 opposite incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio. In a text message to GMANews.TV, NP spokesman Gilbert Remulla said Pacquiao was chosen as the party's candidate in Saranggani because "just like Senator Villar, (he) came from very humble origins." "Pacman, just like Senator Manny crawled his way up to a big success, probably the greatest boxer of his generation. He is an inspiration to millions," he said. "We are thankful Pacquiao has chosen to support Senator Villar in his quest for presidency. We are excited that he has chosen NP as his coalition partner in Saranggani."

With Villar was Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bonbgbong" Marcos Jr., who is seeking a Senate seat in the 2010 polls. Technically Pacquiao’s People’s Champ Movement, the reigning pound-for-pound king’s local party in Saranggani, formed a coalition with Villar’s NP. Aside from Pacquiao, gubernatorial candidate Juan Domino and vice-gubernatorial bet Fred Basino and other candidates for various local posts in Saranggani also took their oaths as NP members before Villar. Pacquiao’s lawyer Franklin Gacal, a congressional candidate in South Cotabato’s first district, also took oath before the NP standard-bearer. Villar, who won the heart of Pacquiao to beat other presidential hopefuls who also tried to woo the Pinoy boxing champion to their fold, welcomed Pacquiao’s decision to join NP saying that the Pacman will be an asset of the party. “Nakakuha tayo ng isang miyembro na maipagmamalaki namin at hinahangaan ng buong Pilipinas at ang background ay talagang nasa adhikain ng Partido Nacionalista." Remulla added that Pacquiao wants to channel his positive energy towards public office. "I'm sure that he was sought after by a lot of groups and he will continue to be an inspiration inside and outside the ring." A much formal oath taking ceremony will be held on Monday, Dec. 21, at NP’s headquarters, Laurel House, in Mandaluyong City where Pacquiao will again be joined by local politicians running in Saranggani province. Pacquiao's mentors Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis 'Chavit' Singson are both known administration allies. Atienza is a member of Liberal Party faction that sided with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. – with Amita Legaspi/RSJ, JVP GMANews.TV