Pacman will soon be nowhere in boxing, but everywhere in politics...

Pacquiao retiring next year; to run in 2010

MANILA, Philippines -- Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao on Monday said he is retiring from the ring next year and will be running again for public office in the 2010 elections.

“Sigurado na, na tatakbo ako [It is sure, I am running],” said Pacquiao at Camp Crame, headquarters of the Philippine National Police, where he was sworn in as member of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi, Partner of the Free Filipino), by Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who is also president of the party founded by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Pacquiao, who said he is retiring August next year, made boxing history in June when he became the first Asian and first Filipino to win four world titles by knocking out David Diaz to take the WBC lightweight belt.

He is scheduled to fight Oscar “The Golden Boy” De la Hoya December 6 in Las Vegas and will be flying to the United States on September 14 to prepare for the bout.

“Isang malaking karangalan talaga na makalaban ko si Oscar. Hindi ko akalaing makasasagupa ko siya, [It is a great honor to fight Oscar. I never imagined I would go up against him,” Pacquiao said, adding that he would fight, at most, two more time before hanging up his gloves for good.

Pacquiao said his parents want the De La Hoya fight to be his last. The two will slug it out at the 147-pound welterweight division.

“My parents wanted me to retire after the De La Hoya fight. But I feel I can still fight two more fights,” Pacquiao said.

Puno said although there is no decision yet on what position Pacquiao will run for, “malaki ang maitutulong niya kung tatakbo siya bilang [he will be a great help if he runs for] congressman or as a local government official.”

In the May 2007 elections, Pacquiao contested the congressional seat of the first district of South Cotabato but lost by a landslide to Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio.

Puno said the one year lull between boxing and the elections should not be a disadvantage for Pacquiao.

“Magpapahinga siya, maglalaan ng isang taon para maghanda sa halalan. Siguro naman hindi siya makakalimutan ng tao sa loob ng isang taon. Baka sa isang dekada pa [He will rest [and] will have a year to prepare for the elections. Surely, people will not forget him in just one year. It might take a decade for them to do that],” Puno said.

Alcuin Papa, Phil Daily Inquirer

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Source:
http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080901-158009/UPDATE-Pacquiao-retiring-next-year-to-run-in-2010

Holiday Confusions Everywhere

After declaring February 25 as a working holiday of observance, Malacañang Palace recalled its previous press release and made Monday next week a special non-working holiday. This is in line with the 22nd Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted former President Ferdinand Marcos and installed the country's first ever woman president Corazon Aquino.

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Malacañang has declared February 25, the 22nd anniversary of the 1986 People Power uprising that restored democracy in the country, as a non-working holiday.

President Arroyo, in signing Proclamation No. 1462, said the entire nation should be given the opportunity to observe the “milestone" in the country's history, which has a theme this year of “Kapayapaan at Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Kaunlaran."

“The historic event, which restored and ushered political, social, and economic reforms in the
country, serves as an inspiration to Filipinos everywhere as we contnnue to chart our collective
course as a nation and as a people," the president said.

President Arroyo also signed Proclamation No. 1463, which lists the regular holidays and special non-working days for year 2008.

The order is in compliance with Republic Act 9492, which rationalizes the celebration of national holidays. The law provides that holidays, except those that are religious, would have to be move to the nearest Monday unless otherwise modified by a law or presidential order.

Under Proclamation No. 1463, the regular holidays are: Maundy Thursday (March 20); Good Friday (March 21); Araw ng Kagitingan (April 7, which is the nearest Monday to April 9); Labor Day (May 1); Independence Day (June 9, the nearest Monday to June 12); National Heroes Day (August 25, last Monday of August); Bonifacio Day (December 1, nearest Monday to Nov. 30); Christmas Day (Dec. 25); and Rizal Day (Dec. 30).

President Arroyo said Labor Day would still be celebrated on May 1 because it has been a “long cherished tradition of workers...which trade unions fought very hard for to institutionalize in the country and an international event that workers want to celebrate on the exact date."

She also said the special non-working holidays are: Ninoy Aquino Day (August 18, the nearest Monday to Aug. 21); All Saints Day (Nov. 1); Dec. 26 and 29, as special non-working days; and Dec. 31, because it is the last day of the year.

President Arroyo said Dec. 26 and 29 were declared as “additional special non-working days" so that Filipinos would have a “more meaningful observance of Christmas and New Year to strengthen their ties with one another."

She said the observance of Eid Il Fitr, which is the end of Ramadan, would be declared upon the recommendation of the Office of Muslim Affairs based on the Islamic calendar or Hijra.
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Read the whole article discussing this declaration at gmanews.tv.

Killing Here, There, Everywhere

They say that Iraq is the most dangerous place for soldiers and the Philippines for mediamen, but Pakistan is now the most dangerous place for civilians.

Pakistan's former Prime Minister and opposition leader Benazir Bhutto has been shot dead, Thursday after a political rally, by an unknown man who instantly blew himself up - killing no less than 20 others.

Visit CNN to know more on this brutal attempt to end democracy in this country in turmoil.

Let me quote a line from Band Aid's song, "Don't they know it's Christmas time?".

One Vote = My Voice

Exercising the right to vote is our only way to speak out our grievances against or admiration towards the current Philippine government. Yesterday, about 45 million Filipinos were given this chance to practice suffrage; according to the Commission on Elections, about 70-85% went out and casted their ballots.

As for me, I voted for 7 GO, 3 TU and 2 Independent senatoriables. I also elected Kabataan in the party-list polls. I hope you have done the same way, I mean, choosing the candidates your mind suggests and your heart dictates.

This is our right, enjoy it while it still lasts...