Legacy of a great fighter more important than legacy of a mediocre politician

The Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather encounter will forever remain as the Filipino’s greatest fight in his illustrious boxing career.

It did not only take so many years in the making, but now that they are going to rumble, it is not only considered the richest in the history of boxing, but it is also described as the Fight of the Century.

Indeed it is a historic bout contended by two exciting boxers in the world today – Pacquiao, an 8-division world champion and Mayweather, a 5-divion world champion.

Both fighters are in the late 30s and with the prize-money between them raised so high up to the tune of an estimated $400M for their extraordinary prowess, at 60/40 split in favor of the American, it is only fitting that they end their careers while showing to the world which of them is or has been the best.

After this mega fight Pacquiao has nothing to prove anymore.

Win or lose, Pacquiao has fought the best there was in each of the division that he won making him a boxing icon. With his mastery, he has not only made himself world renown, but he has made the country proud.

Pacquiao’s legacy as a great boxing champion is secured. Not only that. He is considered a hero! His rag to riches story is really one for the books and all Filipinos hold him in high esteem.

This is how we should remember Pacquiao, and whatever worthy deeds he will be doing in the realm of sports when he finally retires from boxing. The development of Philippine sports is where he belongs and with his known distinction of being disciplined, diligent, determined, persevering and competitive, he will be a big boost to aspiring Filipino athletes.

Unfortunately, however, as early as a few years back, Pacquiao, to the dismay of many, has been lured by friends to enter the dirty world of Philippine politics where government positions are won not by one’s competence but by one’s popularity and the disposable wealth one has in his hands.

Pacquiao’s record in Congress clearly speaks volume of who he is as an elected representative of Sarangani Province. Having the worst attendance record in Congress, being present in only four of 70 session days in 2014, what kind of contribution can be expected of Pacquiao if he is among people supposedly making laws?

What is even worse now is that Pacquiao’s American promoter, Bob Arum, is trying to be the latest Pacquiao political spokesman, saying that his ward is going to run for the Senate in 2016 and for president in 2022.

I am sure that many political opportunists welcome Arum’s predictions, but only because they want to ride on Pacquiao’s popularity and can bank on Pacquiao’s financial assistance.

Talking about hidden agenda by some scandalous politicians!

Pacquiao during Church groundbreaking. (Photo courtesy of PhilBoxing .com)

I can only hope that even before Pacquiao’s own church, which he has called “The Word for Everyone”, is finished in General Santos, that he will be enlightened as to how he wants to proceed with his life.

“I want to leave behind a legacy of faith and a House of God. This is more self-fulfilling than my achievements in boxing and politics,” Pacquiao said.

Well and good, but what it is even better is if Pacquiao turns his back from politics so that his mediocre performance as a politician will not mar, but rather preserve for posterity his legacy of greatness in boxing and his unswerving faith in his new found religion.

Pacquiao tax mischief

If what celebrity news website TMZ says is true that boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao has also failed to settle his tax obligation in the U.S., after vehemently claiming otherwise, especially by his promoter and ‘self-proclaimed’ spokesman on this matter, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, then I would surmise that Pacquiao is really on to some mischief or, shall we say, monkey business.

 I don’t see any reason why a popular American TV show such as TMZ that talks about episodes of high profile celebrities/personalities would try to mar its reputation or invite law suits for that matter, if what they are reporting is without basis at all.

“The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) claims Manny stiffed the (US) government out of federal income taxes from 2006 to 2010… totaling $18,313,668.79 in debt,” TMZ has reported, adding that it has “obtained official documents” on the matter.

According to TMZ, Pacquiao’s tax liabilities are broken down as follows:

2006 – $1,160,324.30

2007 – $2,035,992.50

2008 – $2,862,437.11

2009 – $8,022,915.87

2010 – $4,231,999.01

Those are really mind-boggling amounts no matter in what country’s currency you would look at it!

Of course Pacquiao’s lawyer has denied that his client is facing an IRS tax deficiency case in the U.S.

But, then again, why and how come these figures exist down to the last cent?

Until this is resolved, people like me, who had had high regard for Pacquiao in the past would probably be asking these questions: What has become of Pacquiao and what is he really up to?

When we thought he was a changed person – a better person – who could exemplify as role model of  an individual and as a citizen for every Filipino, now he is not only being charged for tax evasion in the Philippines, but the U.S. federal government also seems to have the same problem with him.

If Pacquiao thinks though that he is clean and that people should trust him especially that he now preaches what he has learned in his bible studies and prays over and heals, too, for crying out loud, then he can’t be more wrong. He is starting to sound more like Apollo Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed appointed son of God, these days.

Instead of entering the realm of politics, which in more ways than one contradicts his claimed religious disposition, how I wish Pacquiao would just have headed a sports commission to continue inspiring the youth and perhaps breathe life to Philippine sports and bring it to higher levels especially in international competition. It could have been a continuing legacy of his greatness.

Alas, Pacquiao got lured in joining the sanctuary of those not much known for discipline, honesty and integrity.

“Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.”