‘Such an incredible feat has turned into an enormous political advantage and a remarkably iconic image that can overcome and endure political brickbats and a relentless political demolition.’
MOST of us are sure that Sen. Manny Pacquiao is going to run as president in 2022 barring any untoward contingencies or conflict with the national leadership.
He wouldn’t be president today of PDP-Laban, the official party of President Duterte, if the latter had not endorsed our “Pambansang Kamao.”
Pacquiao says he is still praying to determine whether or not he would eventually decide to be a presidential candidate. Everyone knows that Pacquiao is a Born-Again Christian and he himself often professes that he looks to God and the bible for regular guidance on what he does with his life and work. There is no doubt that faith has transformed the gambling and womanizing man of the world to an upright man of God.
He now struggles as a bible minister of the Gospel and a politician determined to be the nation’s president. But his countrymen may not yet be ready to elect a Born- Again Christian leader as their top leader. Bro. Eddie Villanueva tried it twice and miserably failed each time, even strongly denouncing what he claimed massive vote-buying and alleged cheating.
People could not identify with Villanueva and his rabid righteous indignation on social and political ills but had been easily taken by the straight-talking and unpolished mayor from Davao City They are also captivated by Pacquiao as a true and rare hero, at times bloodied but unbowed in some of his brutal fights. His rags-to riches story has thrust the legendary 8-world division boxing titleholder to the global stage.
Such an incredible feat has turned into an enormous political advantage and a remarkably iconic image that can overcome and endure political brickbats and a relentless political demolition. His struggles will also cover both spiritual and political dilemma on whether he would be ready to compromise Biblical principles on evil and wrongdoing in government as covert conditions for him to lead the PDP-Laban and its political alliances well into the national elections in 2022.
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Evangelist Pastor David Jeremiah points out that the Christmas narrative should lead us to the message of Easter Sunday so that the Incarnation, the birth of Christ and the redemption of mankind become more real. He says that Christmas seems incomplete without us seriously contemplating its deep but glorious connection to the Resurrection of Jesus which is the foundation of Christianity. Jeremiah reminds us that Jesus came to love, heal, forgive, and… to die!
