Pacquiao to prioritize military in lawmaking

The Philippine military can rest assured it is one of the priorities of the Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Paquiao, as the boxer-turned-lawmaker crafts his legislative bills in the House of Representatives. Asked if he would support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) – particularly the Philippine Army – Pacquiao on Friday said: "Yes. Makikipag-coordinate tayo sa Philippine Army kung ano man magagawa nating mabuti at matulungan sila. (Yes. I will coordinate with the Philippine Army regarding the help that I can offer them.) Pacquiao, who attended turnover ceremonies at the Army headquarters in Taguig City, is a military reservist of the Army's 15th Ready Reserve Division with a rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao says he will keep the military in mind when crafting bills in Congress, during turnover ceremonies at the Army headquarters in Taguig City on Friday. Mark D. Merueñas

He expressed "great appreciation" for the military's role, not only of maintaining peace and order in the country, but also of helping carry out the government's livelihood and development programs. He said the southern Philippines congressional district he represents is getting benefits from his role in the military. "Ang military tumutulong iyan lalo na sa probinsya ko. Kaya makikipag-coordinate talaga ako sa kanila kung ano ang maitutulong ko," Pacquiao told GMANews.TV. (The military has been a big help to my province. That is why I will make it a point to coordinate with them.) Boxing rigors Despite the rigors of his boxing career – including preparations for his reported November fight with Mexican Antonio Margarito – Pacquiao said he would still not lose focus in his efforts of helping his constituents. He said he has already filed several local bills seeking to create a provincial hospital and university in his district. "Kailangan makapag-aral iyang mga bata dahil sila ang pag-asa ng bayan (Children need to get education because they are the country's hope)," he said. The Filipino boxing icon had taken efforts in preparing himself for public governance. He had attended seminars on public governance, including one at the University of the Philippine in Diliman, Quezon City. [See: Big names attend House orientation but don't throw their weight around] Last July 8, Pacquiao joined former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, and more than a hundred neophyte lawmakers who attended a House orientation on lawmaking two weeks ago at the Batasan Pambansa Complex. — Mark D. Merueñas / LBG, GMANews.TV