. As a senator, the People’s Champ incurred a grand total of 22 absences – more than any of his colleagues in the Upper House.
In defense of his truancy, the presidential hopeful had asserted that he needed to oversee his Pacman Village, a housing program in Sarangani and General Santos that Pacquiao himself had personally funded. Pacquiao added that his record as a senator speaks in his defense; purporting co-authorship of 96 bills, he argued that in spite of his absences, he was still able to fulfil his legislative duties.
It is indubitable, however, that the presidency is entirely different from the legislature. Presence plays a pivotal role in executive jurisdiction. After nearly six years under a commander-in-chief with slumbering habits that make Sleeping Beauty blush, the Filipino nation cannot afford to be cradled by another absentee father.In addition to the above-mentioned housing program, the fighting senator’s foundation also sponsors COVID-19 relief operations and human trafficking victim support.
A proud pastor and Evangelical Christian convert, Pacquiao would most certainly attribute his generosity to his faith, as he does with his rationale for his legislative votes and policies. Citing his support for capital punishment, for instance, the senator stated that “even Jesus was sentenced to death.” He also used a purported biblical basis for his argument on gender dress appropriation.
For want of a champion in fulfilling the Filipino dream of economic prosperity, societal justice, and national unity, 62 million voters registered for the upcoming presidential election. It is said that if you just shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll end up among the stars.