Pacquiao vows to deliver votes for TU in S Cotabato

GENERAL SANTOS CITY - People's champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao said Thursday night that he is confident his popularity will deliver votes here for the 12 candidates of Team Unity senatorial ticket. Pacquiao hosted a dinner at his mansion in the city for administration's senatorial candidates before joining a campaign rally Wednesday night at Freedom Park, where an estimated 15,000 people attended the political gathering. In an interview, Pacquiao also said the lack of significant developments in the city and the obstructionist politics of his opponent, re-electionist Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio, forced him to enter politics even if his family and fans dissuade him from doing so. "I believe that [my popularity will translate into votes for Team Unity]. I am giving them my full support; I campaign not only for my own candidacy but for all candidates in our lineup, from senators to councilors," Pacquiao said. TU grateful but… Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay said they are grateful for Pacquiao's endorsement but he pointed out that the Team Unity is not exploiting the popularity of the boxing champion. "Manny's endorsement is definitely a big boost on us. But we don't want to exploit him, we are just thankful for his support," Pichay said. Sen. Edgardo Angara earlier made a similar statement. Both were with Pacquiao during the champ's interview with the media. Other members of the TU who joined the dinner at Pacquaio's mansion include Sen. Ralph Recto, former senators Vicente Sotto III and Tessie Aquino Oreta, Zambales Gov. Vic Magsaysay, Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri and actor-producer Cesar Montano. "You know, I would not enter politics had I seen development here. I was a young boy when I left here 20 years ago and nothing changed much. The only thing that changed was that I was able to build a house of my own," he said. Pacquiao promises If elected, Pacquiao said he would work, among others, to build a larger terminal for the General Santos City airport and to build a circumferential road to declog the traffic going to and from the airport, as well as to establish a national hospital and build more classrooms for the school children here. Antonino-Custodio whose family ruled politically here for 20 years denied the charges, saying she has been dedicatedly doing her job in Congress and for the people. She added that the boxing's champ's statement is "not a fair remark." Pacquiao also chided his rival for supporting impeachment bid against President Gloria Macapagal Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He this posture had a negative impact on the people of South Cotabato. "When we elect a leader, we are looking for somebody to help us. I don't want to denigrate anybody but, if for example quarrel (with the administration) everyday, I would still eat three times a day. Who will suffer--my constituents?" he said. He said a leader should be like a father or a mother, who would do what is necessary for the welfare of his constituents. Custodio insisted she acted on what she believed was right in supporting the impeachment bid against the President. Pacquiao said his advantage over his rival is that Malacañang has already hinted that he would have no difficulty asking for important projects for his district if he is elected into office. Likewise, Pacquiao said he could bring in investors to his area to create more jobs and spur development. ’Politics is like boxing’ Despite his political difference with Custodio, Pacquiao said the May 14 election should be like a boxing match where opponents embrace or shake hands after pummeling each other for several rounds. "After the elections, all of these should be over; let's respect the decision of the people," he said. The Mindanao caravan of Team Unity this week made its first stop at Cotabato City and proceeded to Maguindanao, Sharif Kabunsuan and Sarangani provinces. In a rally, late Thursday afternoon's at Alabel, Sarangani where an estimated 5,000 people joined the affair, Sarangani Gov. Migs Dominguez pledged 12-0 support for Team Unity. - GMANews.TV