Editorial- January 22-28, 2006

WANTED: President Who Won In An Honest Election

Manny Pacquiao’s superb victory over a Mexican boxer is a Filipino triumph that unified the Filipino people. Pacquiao displayed his mastery of the ring during his bout with Erik “El Terrible” Morales in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, January 22, 2006. It took him less than 10 rounds to put away Morales via a technical knock out.
Pacquiao’s victory is a big revenge on the proud Aztec warrior in a boxing ring at the Thomas and Mack Center. Because of that victory, Pacquiao will go home with a heroe’s welcome waiting for him on Friday, January 27. Indeed Pacquiao earned his popularity, love and admiration by boxing his way. It has also made millions of Filipinos forget that they were hungry and poor.
The Pacquiao victory is like a dose of drugs that made Filipinos ecstatic. During the fight day in barangays, the streets were clear of vehicles and even people. The radio reported no crimes as police blotters were clean.
The NAIA is now prepared for Manny’s arrival. Streamers are ready and the red carpet is unrolled for his arrival on Friday. There will be ticker tape parade from the airport. Some politicians will join the Pacquiao bandwagon with the hope to enhance their political aspirations. From the airport, the grand parade with Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and movie personalities will pass by major routes of Metro Manila and stop in Rizal Park for a grand party celebration.
The Filipino nation is jubilant over Manny’s devastating demolition of Erik Morales, the Mexican boxing legend. Everyone is basking in the limelight of Manny’s triumph, the political elite mostly. But all the honors belong to Pacquiao.
He worked for it assisted by his trainer, manager and members of his team. After his questionable defeat in the hands of Morales last year, he went back to work and worked hard. Pacquiao studied Morales’ moves inside the ring, adopted a fight strategy, trained hard with dedication and sincerity. He left his family foregone Christmas, New Year and birthday celebrations.
Pacquiao, the world champion and a boxing hero is an epitome of hard work, dedication, sincerity and honesty. He won the fight clean and clear because of rigid training and preparation. Pacquiao won a very honest fight. Morales himself gallantly accepted the defeat. The Filipinos rejoiced with the triumph which earned the respect of the world.
Will Gloria do the same? Win in a clean and honest election?
Pacquiao has unified his family and the Filipinos through a very clean and honest fight. The victory of Pacquiao is a striking contrast as the Council of State meeting on January 24 was a photograph of national disunity and elite disharmony.
Hundred of charter changes and “no elections” will not stabilize the government, improve the economy and peace. What is needed is a legitimate president whose election is clean and honest like Pacquiao’s victory over Morales. /MP