Will Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao be a good leader?

That is a tough question and it plays in my mind as many Filipinos wait and see what will be the next for the Filipino's boxing hero. It has been a rumor that Manny will run in a congressional position in Sarangani Province in the next coming election. We know in the prior election that he lost the congressional race in the first district of South Cotabato against Representative Darlene Antonino –Custodio. We also have heard that accompanied with that fiasco was a big loss of money for Manny.

"He should focus his attention to boxing," commented by many of his fans. "Boxing is his forte and politics is different ring. Let it be for political experts. If Manny really wants to help his countrymen, he can do so by initiating social projects," they added.

Contrary to those ideas, many insist, "Manny can be a good public servant. He can set a good example and his track record in boxing will show that many of his qualities are the basic elements in good governance. "

Both parties have a point. Who can be convinced that Manny, with humble beginnings can really lead? But who can underestimate the speedy-puncher 'Pacman'? Many times in his fight Manny got 'dehado', underestimated and belittled by spectators that he would lose the fight. What happened? Many times they were proven wrong by the not only surprising but overwhelming results. Will it be the same if he enters the public service?

We can hear, "Filipinos have gone through a lot of experiences but never learned." But in those circumstances, you see… where are the Filipinos? Still surviving, we may not be learning but we are still living, hoping and winning. Others have learned but they "died".

In my own opinion, we don't have the exact formula for good governance. I believe that a good leader is not born but made, made by tough situations and decisions. It starts with the mind, the perception that nothing is impossible under the sun. No matter how hard the circumstances, a good leader can come through. But it must end with the heart because the motive maybe different. What do we need to elect a leader? Somebody qualified under the Philippine constitution. If Manny is qualified, let him run and let the people decide. If he wins, let's give him all due respect, cooperation and the chance to lead. If he fails then he should concede as a gentleman, like a sportsman in boxing. So that everybody will know the he gave his all while he played the game and winning is just the fruit of all the toils.