Pacquiao open to being tourism’s poster boy, peace negotiator

Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao may boost the Philippine government’s beleaguered tourism campaign as well as help facilitate peace negotiations between the government and rebel groups. Pacquiao, who returned to the country early Saturday, said he is open to endorsing Philippine tourism, which is now in the middle of a controversy over a new tourism slogan. “Tulad ng sinabi ko basta sa kapakanan ng bansang Pilipinas at sa mga Pilipino tulad ko, gagawin ko (Like I said, so long as it is for the good of the country and of Filipinos like me, I will do whatever it takes)," he said shortly after arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Several sectors had suggested that Pacquiao be tapped to attract tourists to the Philippines, which drew international criticisms in recent months. Hong Kong issued a “black" travel advisory discouraging travel to the Philippines after the August 23 hostage crisis in Manila, where eight Hong Kong tourists were killed along with hostage taker, dismissed Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza. In late October, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia and New Zealand issued advisories hinting at possible terrorist attacks on the Philippines. Another problem came early in November, amid a raging controversy over the Tourism Department’s new “Pilipinas Kay Ganda" slogan. While some critics claimed foreigners may not immediately understand the slogan, others noted the new logo had been copied from Poland’s tourism logo. Also troubling the new tourism campaign was the choice of a new website name www.beautifulphilippines.com, which would redirect visitors to a pornographic site. On Friday, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim hinted the government might drop the “Pilipinas Kay Ganda" campaign due to heavy criticism. [See story: DOT may drop new tourism slogan] Peace negotiator Pacquiao also said he is open to being a peace negotiator of the government in dealing with rebel groups, but did not elaborate on it. “Kung makatulong ako, bakit hindi ako papayag? Papayag at papayag ako basta makakatulong sa kapakanan ng nakararami (If I can help, why would I refuse such a post? I will accept the post as long as I can be of help the majority of Filipinos)," he said. But he said he is not keen on running for President in 2016, adding his priority now is to his constituents in Sarangani province. Pacquiao won as congressman of the province in the 2010 elections after losing in his first congressional bid in 2007. “Hindi naman ako ambisyoso na tao ... congressman ako, ang focus ko magiging congressman, ano maging serbisyo sa tao (I am not an ambitious person. I am a congressman so I will focus on my work as congressman to serve the people)," he said. “Kung makakatulong [o hindi] as president or vice president... sa ngayon wala pa sa isip ko yan. Siguro malayo pa yan, wala sa isip ko yan (Whether I can help our people as president or vice president, it is not on my mind right now. It is still far away. It is not on my mind)," he added. — with Carmela Lapeña/LBG, GMANews.TV