As expected, Filipino boxing icon formally announced his intent to run for a Senate seat in next year's Philippines national elections last Oct. 5.
The announcement doesn't really come as a surprise since word about Pacquiao's intent to seek higher office already came out early this year.
"Yes, I'm going to run for (a) Senate post this coming 2016 election. But as to which party, that's still to be determined," said the fighter via ABS-CBN.
The suspense now focuses on whether he will run independently or join a party which he has not disclosed. But it seems that the reaction of Filipinos was the more interesting part in the eight-time division's decision to pursue higher government office.
Pacquiao is currently a congressman but has been hardly visible due to multiple commitments. A large part of that is, of course, due to training and actual boxing events, the last of which was against Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Many feel that while Pacquiao has good intentions, the true duties of a public official are not completely satisfied, not to mention placing him in a position where a lot of intrigues are bound to hound him should he expectedly win.
Pacquiao is among the list of the magic 12 senators to come out in next year's elections, but the thought of not seeing him around that much could sway his countrymen to think twice about voting for him.
Another thing that comes into mind is how he would be able to manage his time considering that he plans to return to the ring in 2016.
While there is no formal announcement yet, Pacquiao is likely to end up facing Amir Khan in early 2016. If so, one has to wonder how he can train and campaign at the same time with rumors stating that he plans to fight no later than April.
The elections will be held in May. If he chooses to campaign and train, could the his political ambitions become a distraction for his much awaited return to the ring?
