Manny Pacquiao fought an Australian opponent Sunday, but unlike during previous bouts, the streets were not as empty, and emotions did not run quite as high even when he suffered defeat.
The difference was that in earlier years, Pacquiao was a young, determined and talented pugilist who defied all adversity to pursue his dream.
Poverty and opposition from his family did not deter him. After he left his home in General Santos City many years ago, he did not look back—except, much later, when he became successful and wealthy, to give back.
Filipinos love an against-all-odds story. It inspires us. It makes us believe in the natural order of things. It renews our faith that something good always comes out of the bleakest situations if we are humble and persevering. And so Pacquiao became famous, not only because he was himself, but because he could be any one of us.
And then the man ran into some fortune and started believing that fame and wealth were a ticket to public office.
Changing careers is not uncommon. But what is uncommon—and unfair—is holding on to a previous career and beginning another one without ample preparation and without a commitment to devote time and effort, especially if the new career is in public service.
Because he is famous, and because many Filipinos believed he had a good heart, Pacquiao was elected as lawmaker—first at the House of Representatives on behalf of his district, and now at the Senate with a national constituency.
Should we not now blame ourselves for the disheartening results?
Years ago, Pacquiao said he would give up his boxing career if he got elected to the Senate. We could only surmise the perks were too great to give up, after all.
What stands out is not jubilation at the defeat of one who used to be regarded as the people’s champion. It is sobriety at being reminded that wanting it all often yields only loss and frustration.
For wanting it all, we have to accept that something’s got to give, eventually. For Pacquiao, it’s the winning streak and the adulation that come with victory. For the voters, who mistakenly believe celebrity translates to an ability to govern, it is the opportunity to be served by a harder working, more committed and less cavalier lawmaker who gives us our money’s worth.
