Pacquiao as politician? Mom thinks it's okay

A Valentine's Day powwow netted Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao a supporter in his congressional bid this May: His mother. Radio station dzBB reported that Dionisia Pacquiao finally decided to support her son "100 percent" in his bid to run for a congressional seat in the first district of South Cotabato. It said Dionesia, who earlier told her son to focus on boxing instead, changed her mind after meeting Wednesday with her son in his multimillion-peso mansion in General Santos City. The report said the meeting ended with a "hug" and Mrs Pacquiao's pledge of support for her son. Dionisia voiced her disagreement with her son's political plans, which initially involved him running for mayor against Pedro Acharon Jr, Pacquiao's godfather. Pacquiao will face Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio, an opposition stalwart now seeking her third consecutive term. Last Friday, he skipped a scheduled oath-taking with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's party, the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), and was instead inducted into the Liberal Party Atienza-wing. The prized fighter plans to train for his next match against Mexican Jorge Solis on April 21, then campaign during the remaining days en route to the May 14 polls. However, his coach Freddie Roach warned that Solis, an undefeated fighter, should not be taken lightly. Pacquiao's candidacy has drawn flak from various personalities, including Elections Chair Benjamin Abalos and veteran sportscaster Ed Picson. - GMANews.TV