Belmonte to Pacquiao: Run for senator first

MANILA, Philippines – Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte has a piece of advice for his colleague in the House of Representatives, boxing icon and Sarangani Rep Manny Pacquiao, who recently revealed aspirations of running for president.  

“Ang comment ko diyan, mag-aspire muna siya for senatorship,” Belmonte told reporters. “Wag presidente agad.” (My comment there is, he should aspire for senatorship first, not for president right away.)

Belmonte said Pacquiao, who is on his 2nd term as Sarangani representative, should consider “training” his political mettle at the senatorial level first. 

“Let’s face it, under the constitution, anybody can run who has the constitutional qualifications, natural-born citizen, 40 years and above, able to read and write,” Belmonte said.  

He added: “Pero kailangang mag-senador muna. Training muna tayo dun sa senatorial level.” (But he needs to be a senator first. Train at the senatorial level first.)

Asked whether he believes Pacquiao needs more qualifications, Belmonte said, “I think your answer is the same as my answer.” 

Pacquiao is preparing for his fight against Brandon Rios in November. Before this scheduled fight, he suffered two consecutive losses. In his last fight against Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao lost via knockout. 

The boxing icon is one of the most frequent absentees in the House. He is also the wealthiest congressman. – Rappler.com