Manny Pacquiao's campaigners win Da Daily Donkey award

Da Daily Donkey

- to have the courage of one's conviction -

Da Daily Donkey Award goes to the campaigners of the People's Champion, Manny Pacquiao, who "deserted him at the last minute" in his bid for South Cotabato’s first district congressional seat.

From GMANews.TV's Pacquiao on poll knockout: My men deserted me:

• In an article by Manny Piñol posted Sunday on philboxing.com, the author bared Pacquiao had admitted the boxing superstar trusted too many people around him and did not know some of them would turn into Benedict Arnolds.
  
  
• "They (campaigners) deserted me at the last minute," Piñol quoted Pacquiao as saying.
  
  
• Piñol, a former sports journalist, a boxing critic, and winner in the vice-gubernatorial post of North Cotabato, said: "Just as the elections neared, these DPOs (deep penetration operators) stabbed Manny in the back and ran off with his campaign funds leaving the campaign apparatus crumbling."
  
  
• Piñol said that Pacquiao's defeat in politics is welcome news to many boxing fans. He said they "are actually relieved that at least for now, the boxing icon can really concentrate on where he is best -- boxing."
  
  
• "With a few years remaining before he turns 30, Manny must now pick quality fights, save his money and prepare for retirement. The squandering of money on gambling must stop," the author said.
  
  
• Pacquiao, who spoke on radio before the proclamation, welcomed the results of the elections. He urged the winning candidates to keep their campaign promises and work hard to help alleviate the poor conditions of local residents.
  
  

Rumors have it that Manny spent at least Php100 million pesos in his campaign. A painful lesson for Manny? Yes, it is. A blow to one's pride? Maybe. A fall from grace? No. The Anitokid sincerely believes that the People's Champion was in his right mind when he decided to run for Congress. He declared his principles openly, regardless of the danger to himself, his family, or to his reputation. All he wanted to do was to help the people, and he honestly felt he could do that more effectively and efficiently as a member of the Philippine Congress. The AnitoKid admires him for having the courage of one's conviction. And like it or not, Manny is generous to a fault; Manny's love for the people is so great that there will always be snakes (with all their kissy-kissy affection) around him waiting for that opportune moment to take advantage of him. And I kid you not!

The so-called defeat will be a saving grace for the Pacman - an avenue for him to see things in their proper perspective and fine-tune his ability to listen to reason without being influenced by his emotions. And as he welcomes the results and urges the winning candidates to keep their promises, his true character continues to shine - Manny is all heart and is equally gracious in both victory and defeat. Manny is indeed the People's Champion! Mabuhay ka Manny!