A political clan in Sarangani said it remains unfazed even with Manny Pacquiao’s announcement of congressional bid in their province.

The Chiongbian Family, who has practically created Sarangani, has expressed confidence that they could maintain their hold on the province.

They said they are prepared to come out with a strong candidate that could outmatch the boxer’s popularity.

“May napili na kami, either si Gov. [Miguel Rene] Dominguez ang tatakbong congressman, at ako ang governor. Maaring ang aking kapatid, o si Nancy na misis ko o ang aking mother,” said Sarangani Rep. Erwin Chiongbian, who is already serving his third and final term.

Sarangani was part of South Cotabato until 1992 when it was “fathered” by the late congressman James Chiongbian (father of incumbent Erwin).

Since then the province remained under the Chiongbian clan.

While the clan is confident of maintaining their hold through Gov. Dominguez, the governor seems to have apprehensions about facing Pacquiao inside the political ring.

Dominguez said he can still serve a third term being governor of Sarangani.

“I am only in my second term,” he said. “Ok pa ako sa pagiging gubernador kung saan magiging defender ako ng mga naapi."

Pacquiao, earlier, said he will retire from boxing by the end of 2009 as he confirmed plans to run as congressman for Sarangani.

“Yes, plano kong tumakbo sa 2010. Sarangani ang gusto ko,” said Pacquiao, who will be running under the People’s Champ Movement (PCM).

The celebrated Filipino boxer, who has just beaten 10-time world boxing champ Oscar de la Hoya, went to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Kiamba on Monday to register as a voter in Sarangani.

"Preparasyon ito para sa 2010," he said.

He was accompanied to the Comelec office by party-mate and former Malungon vice-mayor Bong Bong Constantino. With a report from Dexter Ganibe, ABS-CBN News SOKSARGEN