SPECKS OF LIFE – Why Pacquiao is out of Magic 12

For the millions of adoring fans and supporters of Manny Pacquiao, it is must be saddening to know that the 8 division world champion has dropped out of the Magic Twelve in the senatorial surveys.
The 12 percent drop in the Feb 15 to 20 Pulse Asia survey – from 46.9% to a low of 34.8% – put Pacquiao in the number 14th spot, trailing Risa Hontiveros (36.2), reelectionist Sen. TG Guingona (36.7) and ex-TESDA Sec. Joel Villanueva (39.1).
If the good Sarangani congressman is reading this, we would like to point out to him that the battle is simply in organization and media perception & handling.
When the controversial LGBT issue hit the streets, there was barely little effort from his side to expound his stand in the mainstream media. His handlers responded by utilizing the social media portals instead of the mainstream media that have wider and extensive reach.
No tabloid columnists defended him, much more in the major broadsheets. Giant Manila-based radio and TV networks with national coverage lambasted him by focusing on his inept performance and attendance in his six years in Congress.
Deep in his training for the April 9 bout against Tim Bradley, his handlers forming the cordon sanitaire were unable to effectively refute the accusations mainly because they do not have the media expertise and political savvy which contributed to his fallout from the Magic Twelve.
Frankly speaking, that is not the proper way to promote a senatorial candidate like Manny Pacquiao because his handlers failed to exploit the built-in advantage in terms of name recall. Alas, today, that advantage has been lost and the odds are now stacked against him.
Realistically, Pacquiao needs to take in his fold a competent and capable spokesperson experienced in national political campaigns who can face the issues squarely, someone who can take up the cudgels for him, face the media and the cameras while he is busy preparing for the Bradley fight.
Anti-Pacquiao bashers, including those he hurt in his anti-same sex marriage stand, are increasing in numbers and have collectively forged a stand. They are not only using the social media to express their unabashed anti-Pacquiao position but they are also using the mainstream media to discredit him by focusing on his unproductive stint in Congress.
Truth to tell, popularity alone will not win him a senate seat. Pacquiao must have concrete advocacies he will pursue in the Senate if and when he gets elected. Up till now, the Filipinos have not been made aware of Pacquiao’s legislative platforms. What specifically can he offer the Filipino nation?
Looking at the survey ratings, those in the top ten are already sure winners, if you consider their backgrounds. Four are re-electionists (Sotto, Recto, Drilon & Osmena); four are returning senators (Lacson, Pangilinan, Zubiri and Gordon), and the other two are former DOJ secretary Leila de Lima (7th) and Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian, who used to be outside of the loop, is now occupying 10th place.
Ex-TESDA Sec. Joel Villanueva is on 11th position while re-electionist Sen. TG Guingona is hanging on to the 12th spot.
Any keen political observer will tell you that it will take more than a herculean effort to dislodge these top ten. They will be exerting more efforts in media and organization to increase and elevate their ratings.
In political parlance, only two spots are left for grabs – the 11th and 12th slots.
Believe me, a re-electionist like Guingona will not allow himself to lose. Unless Pacquiao remedies the situation NOW, he might find it difficult to sneak back in. Consider that those below him are also going to employ hammer and tongs to dislodge those ahead of them. Matira ang matibay, ika nga.
Soccsksargen badly needs a senator like Pacquiao to advance its socio-economic and development agenda. Sarangani and North Cotabato are among the TOP TEN POOREST provinces in the country and constituents are pinning their hopes on the Pambansang Kamao to get these programs going.
Mindanao is such in a sorry state today that has prompted a Mindanaoan like Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to throw his hat into the political arena and run for president.
Manny Pacquiao, for all the honors and contributions he has given the country, cannot do less. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) God bless the Philippines!