OPINION: Pencing by Mario O. Feliciano Jr.

Pacman’s presidential bid triggers mixed reactions

BOXINBG ICON Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao finally announced his presidential bid to run in next year’s presidential and local elections under PDP-Laban, a party now embroiled in its own political intramurals, thus, eventually, causing its split into two separate wings: Pacquiao wing vs. Cusi wing. 

Pacquiao said he’s a fighter and that he remains a fighter outside and inside the ring. His announcement to run for President come May 2022 elections, fueled mixed reactions amongst our political pundits.

The anti-Pacquiao-for-President claimed he’s too raw for the presidency to address the country’s various problems that come in many enormous sizes, and forms, both man-made and by nature, in these days. Others who claimed they’re all-out for him, rebuked those opposing his presidential ambition. “We’re tired of all of them, so why not try Pacquiao as our next President? He might be the one capable of addressing our country’s many problems, as his platform is to fight poverty and corruption in the country. For one thing, he came from the poorest-of-the-poor bracket in our society. So, he knows how the poor feel about the miseries of living lurked in poverty.”

Other presidential wannabes are Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Bongbong Marcos, Sen. Ping Lacson, Sen. Dick Gordon, VP Leni Robredo, former Sen. Antonio Trillanes, Sen. Bong Go, and last but not least, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Pick your choice, buddy.

In the Covid front, the active infections in Zamboanga City continue to surge and are now over 1,000 active cases. The top 20 barangays with the most number of active Covid-19 infections are the following: Tetuan, Santa Maria, Tumaga, Pamucutan, Guiwan, Tugbungan, Putik, Divisoria, Mercedes, Baliwasan, Canelar, Ayala, San Roque, Talon-Talon, Calarian, Lunzuran, Lumbangan, Pasonanca, Malagutay and Cabaluay.

Again, the City Government is continually reminding the whole populace to strictly follow what there’s to simply follow to the letter, as its minimum health protocols - wear face mask and face shield, observe physical distancing, wash hands, bring a sanitizer or a bottle of alcohol; avoid crowds, stay home if nothing to do outside, practice proper hygiene.

Question: How protected are we from all dangers in life, if only we believe in our Lord Jesus Christ?

Answer: The Lord said: “If God is for us, who can be against us?

See you folks, on my next episode. God bless us all!  (jayfeliciano2@yahoo.com)