Pacquiao willing to fund projects from own pocket

Congressman-elect and Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao doesn't mind shouldering the cost of his projects for the people of Sarangani province since he has yet to receive his "pork barrel" or Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). The seven world division champion Pacquiao, who ended the Chiongbians' stranglehold in Sarangani, will focus on the health and education of his constituents as he plans to build a provincial hospital and a college or university in the province. "I've been thinking about it. The money that will be used to fund the projects might come out of my own pocket with the budget from the congress yet to be given," said Pacquiao in Filipino during an interview with Arnold Clavio in his late-night show. Sarangani does not have a provincial hospital with its sick residents forced to go to government-funded hospitals in nearby General Santos City. Based on GMANews.TV's partial and unofficial tally, based on the election returns from precincts transmitted to the Commission on Elections server at the Pope Pius XII center in Manila, Pacquiao earned 112,787 votes for a 55,484 winning margin over businessman Roy Chiongbian’s 57,303. Chiongbian was the youngest son of former Rep. James L. Chiongbian and the brother of three-term Rep. Erwin Chiongbian in the lone legislative district of Sarangani. His father was the one responsible for creating Sarangani province out of South Cotabato. Pacquiao's victory over Chiongbian was so devastating that it looked like he won via knockout just like the way he defeated some of his opponents inside the boxing ring.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Pacquiao’s loss in his first attempt inside the political ring became a learning experience for him. "Before, when I campaigned and ran as congressman for General Santos City, I only had one month of preparation," said Pacquiao. "But this time, I prepared for two years. We worked so hard during the campaign, we were so busy until midnight and we were able to go through at least five municipalities a day during the campaign." "I feel I'm ready for it and I'm ready to serve my countrymen. I want to work quickly as early as July," he added. As part of the fighting congressman's preparation for the floor debates, he took a Public Administration in Governance course at the University of the Philippines while finishing up his Business Administration classes. Pacquiao said that aside from the planned hospital and university in Sarangani, his legislative agenda would benefit the province's farmers and fisherman, the country's sports program and the National athletes. Aside from closing the megabuck fight against the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr., Pacquiao's other challenge is to prove his critics wrong that he is capable of holding public office. "I’m challenged. I want to prove to all of them that I can be a good congressman. Before, I want to prove to everyone that I'm a great boxer. Now, I want to become a good congressman," said Pacquiao, who is hoping to get the chairmanship or become a member of the committees on sports and energy. – JVP/Rey Joble, GMANews.TV