Pacquiao As Anti-Democracy Prop

I don't know about you but it's quite disturbing seeing a government official and a department secretary at that, acting as the publicity and PR manager of Manny Pacquiao. I'm talking about Environment Secretary Lito Atienza. At the regular Malacanang press conference today, Atienza was seen revealing the itinerary of legendary Pinoy boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao.

If Atienza serves as our sports czar, that's quite understandable. But, Atienza is supposed to trumpet the accomplishments of his department. There are quite a number of explosive issues bedevilling the state of the Philippine environment, among which, are the Mount Diwalwal exploitation, the thinning tropical forests, the decreasing numbers of fish catch, etal.

And here, we see our very own environment secretary doubling up as Manny Pacquiao's publicist. Mr. Atienza, are you Manny's designated PR man? Have'nt you forgotten your mandate? Or, this is one of your rackets? Have'nt you forgotten Mr. Atienza that you're not, oh no, not a PR man of Manila City hall?

Obviously, Malacanang want to exploit the "goodwill" generated by Pacman's victory. They want to use the boxing hero as their counterpoint against a big rally tomorrow. My good friend, Leah Navarro informed me that the rally against Charter Change will be led by the CEAP and MAPSA, the country's largest associations of schools parochial, Code NGO, C4CC, Laban ng Masa & Akbayan, the Catholic Church led by Cardinal Rosales and farmers from all over the country . Rallyists will be converging at St. Peter's Basilica at 10 in the morning to march towards Batasan.

Tomorrow, Congressmen will resume discussions on pending charter change proposals. Sources told me that tomorrow, Congressmen will attempt to dislodge Speaker Prospero Nograles from his seat. KAMPI will try to force Nograles into a corner by pressing him to categorically state his position regarding charter change. The fear of most everybody in KAMPI right now is Nograles' wishy-washy stance. Nograles is afraid to be caught at the wrong side of history. He is now facing tremendous pressures from his former colleagues at LAKAS-NUCD led by his mentor, JDV and FVR.

With the numbers stacked against him, there is a gvery strong possibility that Cong. Luis Villafuerte will be anointed as the new Speaker replacing Nograles.

So, it will be a media fight tomorrow as both groups, the administration and the anti-charter change groups will try to get over the other tomorrow. And Manny Pacquiao will be at the center of a media maelstrom.

I suggest for Manny---for the sake of your flowering career, desist from taking part in Malacanang's plan to make you their poster boy for tomorrow. Remember what happened to Nora Aunor? She was used by former president Estrada as a counter force in the rising movement for change prior to the outbreak of EDSA 2. Look at what happened to her?

Don't tempt fate and don't put yourself in a very difficult and dangerous situation. You're a boxer. Don't be deluded by promises of more grandeur and the sparkle of politics. Politics is not a boxing ring. No.

Pacman, politics is chess, not boxing. Baka ma-mate ka.

By the way, the second big one is on Friday, 12 December, 4:00pm, at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas, Makati. It will be led by UNO and Bayan. The Liberal Party and Jesus is Lord Movement are going also. Expect fireworks that would surely make everyone smile this coming holidays.