He is the one of the world's most recognizable personalities and one of the best boxing legends of all times. He has beaten almost all opponents, losing only twice in his 15-year professional boxing career.

He has pulled many spectacular stunts in the ring that baffled, awed, angered and entertained millions of boxing experts and aficionados. With his deadly hooks and menacing jabs, he had consigned many formidable opponents to disgrace and oblivion.

He is truly a Filipino icon, worthy of his people's respect and adulation.

But that is how far it goes: never beyond sports and definitely not into politics again.

Almost all his fans are one in saying that they don't like Paquiao to enter politics, that he should have learned a lesson during the last election when he ran for the 1st congressional district of South Cotabato and lost to Ms. Darlene Custodio. They say that politics is a dirty game and it will only tarnish his good and venerable name as the Philippines' boxing hero. Apart from his inexperience, they feel he doesn't have enough education, intelligence and competence to manage a public office, let alone make legislations.

Well, if Paquiao ran in my congressional district, I would not have second thought of casting my vote for him. And if he ran for senator, I would surely vote for him too. Furthermore, I would urge my family, relatives, friends and countrymen to vote for him. Why? Here's the reason why:

I believe that every Filipino who had suffered from abject poverty but was able to rise above that misfortune by sheer courage, perseverance and discipline is worthy of public office. He doesn't need any further qualification other than that.

I believe that everyone who had been deprived of basic tools for survival is surely touched by destiny. And if he was able to surmount the insurmountables and triumph over the curse of poverty, he definitely has the blessings and guidance of the gods.

A story was told about Julius Caesar when two captives were brought to him before they were to be executed. Caesar asked them to tell their stories while fighting on the side of his enemy, Pompey. The two men narrated their ordeals of being shipwrecked and separated from their legion, having to walk hundreds of miles along unfamiliar terrains while battling enemies along the way. They almost got killed on several occasions but somehow managed to survive. After listening intently, and to the surprise of his men, Caesar immediately pardoned the two and even invited them to join his legions. When Caesar's men asked him what compelled him to act so compassionately, he replied: “With all the adversities and dangers these men went through, don't you find it strange that they are still alive today? For sure they are protected by the gods! It's only wise that they be on our side!”

We, an impoverish people, have been repeatedly betrayed by politicians who are supposed to be well-educated, experienced and competent. The continued betrayal by these people has turned our country into a pathetic and miserable basket case of Asia. These guys speak the English language proficiently, with sweet voices of truly refined and well-bred gentlemen. But what happen to their breeding, education, experience and competence when they are faced with issues that test their character? Suddenly, those qualifications go right down the drain and the consideration of personal interest runs supreme over the welfare of the people.

So where are the qualifications we are talking about?

These guys don't know what destiny is. They were born with silver spoons in their mouths and went to exclusive colleges and universities under the sponsorships of their pampering parents and relatives. They drove flashy cars even before they became eligible to drive. While mere students, they wore imported clothes, jewelry and expensive watches. Yes, many of them studied hard and even excelled in school. But education to them is just a tool to gain foothold in politics for personal aggrandizement.

Success to an ordinary Filipino like Paquiao is different. It doesn't come from the generosity of rich and indulging parents. It comes from lessons learned from everyday struggle to survive and the bitterness of social injustice. It comes from the strength of character and courage of spirit to break the yoke of deprivation.

Above all, it is the sacred gift from God.

That's why every Filipino who achieved great success despite the scourge of poverty and injustice can feel the strong sense of destiny: to serve the country and give deeper meaning to God's gift.

So fellow Filipinos in the south, this is one of the rare opportunities for you to choose your real candidate, the candidate whom you can call truly your own.

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