Pacquiao loses bid to disqualify opponent
MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Election (Comelec) has turned down Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao’s petition to have his political opponent Roy Chiongbian barred from running in the May 10 elections.
Based on the promulgation issued by the Comelec en banc, Chiongbian will be allowed to vie for a congressional seat representing Sarangani.
Pacquiao’s local political party, People’s Champ Movement (PCM), earlier lodged a petition to bar Chiongbian from running in Sarangani since he is not a resident of the province. It also alleged that Chiongbian gave false information in his election papers.
Chiongbian is a top executive of Eastern Shipping Lines and comes from an influential and wealthy family.
The businessman is the youngest brother of incumbent Sarangani Rep. Erwin Chiongbian. Their mother, Priscilla Chiongbian, is a former provincial governor.
The Chiongbian family earlier said that they do not think Pacquiao's popularity in boxing would be enough to bring him to victory in the May 10 polls.
Pacquiao lost to Darlene Antonino-Custodio in 2007 in their battle to represent the first district of South Cotabato province. It was Pacquiao's first foray into local politics.
The Antoninos are a powerful family in South Cotabato.
Pacquiao party flops in survey
Meanwhile, The Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) party-list group reportedly led by Pacquiao, kicked off its campaign by launching a motorcade around Manila, Makati and Quezon City.
PBA party-list nominees Mark Sambar and Miles Roces explained that their group is working to give sports and athletes a stronger voice in Congress since several relevant bills and proposals for the benefit of athletes and Philippine sports in general remain pending or ignored.
However, the party-list failed to make it in the latest Pulse Asia survey on the party-list polls.
The top 9 party-list groups likely to win seats, according to the survey conducted January 22-26, are Bayan Muna, 1-Aangat Pilipino, Anak Pawis, Gabriela, Akbayan, Ahon Pinoy, Aangat Tayo, Anak Mindanao, Abono.
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to jsm111605
if that is your belief that for pakyaw running is stupidity,then you did not respect our constitution,that his rights to run for an office,because he is a PURE filipino citizen,contributing good image to our country..who is estrada an experience man in politics who put to jail because of corruption?who is ferdinand marcps,excile in philippines because of some contrversy?who is arroyo a graduate in a reputable university outside the country,and now involve in many scandals?IS THAT WHAT YOU MEAN NOT A STUPIDITY?respects the rights of others and i will respect you..
to jsm111605
in the philippines we consider the constituion as the highest law of the land..so we must follow the constitutions and respects the rights of every filipino..regarding politics and person who want run for a certain position the requirement is a FILIPINO CITIZEN,ATLEAST AGE OF MAJORITY,ABLE TO READ AND WRITE..pakman is qualified for that requirement we don't prejudice him to run because he came a poverty family and without a formal education during the time of his youngmanhood..that is his rights and we respect his rights as you jsm111605 wants to be respected..to be a leader is not necessary to be a lawyer or whatever course you finished..because there are leaders who are distinguished as good in acadmics but EXCELLENT in corruption..
pacquiao should focus on
pacquiao should focus on boxing not to be a politician, its stupid to think because he is a good boxer he can be a good politician with out any experience or good education to support this.