Pacman wins new title as Sarangani congressman

Now it’s official. Starting November, whoever he fights inside the boxing ring, Manny Pacquiao will not only be known as the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He will also be introduced by notable ring announcer Michael Buffer as the “Fighting Congressman of the Philippines." The Filipino boxing icon was officially proclaimed by the provincial board of canvassers as the new Congressman of Sarangani late Thursday night.

Pacquiao won via a one-sided victory after garnering 120,052 votes, more than 50,000 votes than his rival, Roy Chiongbian, for the lone congressional seat of this province. Known as the People’s Champion when fighting in the ring, Pacquiao will try to become the champion of the masses in his new title added on top of his seven-division boxing crowns. Pacquiao became the first and only sportsman to have knocked out somebody from a Chiongbian family. The Chiongbians are regarded as one of the most powerful political clans in Sarangani. Pacquiao also became the latest sportsman to secure a seat in politics. He joined PBA champion coach Yeng Guiao (vice governor, Pampanga), former San Miguel Beer/Countryfair guard Rosalio “Yoyong" Martirez (vice mayor, Pasig), PBA Hall of Famer and former MVP Atoy Co (councilor, first district of Pasig), PBA 25 Greatest Player member and NCAA/PBL champion coach Ato Agustin (councilor, first district of San Fernando, Pampanga), former Tanduay/Sta. Lucia guard and now sports analyst Jason Webb (councilor, first district of Parañaque), former Rookie of the Year Gerry Esplana (councilor, first district of Valenzuela City) and former La Salle stalwart Francis Zamora (vice mayor, San Juan) as among the sports celebrities who became successful in their political bids in the country’s first Automated Elections. - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV