RIGHT NOW, as I am writing this, throngs of locals  flock to the municipal plaza of Alabel, Sarangani Province to welcome the boxing champ.

Aside from the chance of meeting the famous boxing icon, most of the people here expect to receive, if not cash, giveaways from Pacman.

Last year, the Pacman team distributed bags to gradeschool pupils. He’s also sponsoring free embalming and free casket for indigenous Sarangans. His political ads are also being shown on local TV since last month. All these are proofs that his camp is more than ready for the political battle.

While Pacquiao failed in his bid in Gensan in the 2007 elections, I could see some reasons why Pacquiao is a probable winner in Sarangani.

The province has been established through the efforts of the Chiongbians, who have always been its leaders for the past 17 years. There is no question that they have contributed to the development of the province. But in the recent years, they haven’t been very visible to the Sarangans.

I am referring to our congressman, Erwin Chiongbian, who is rarely seen in the province and is not a major character in the Congress, whose public presence is far duller than that of GenSan’s Darlene Antonino. He also doesn’t have publicized flagship projects in the province, which makes the people wonder if he is really working for the our progress.

Several mayors have also signified their support for Pacquiao’s candidacy. Our own mayor, Corazon Grafilo and Mayor Reynaldo Constantino of Malungon  are known staunch supporters. With the support of these mayors of two big towns in the province, Pacquiao has a better chance.

If the Chiongbian camp will be complacent in its campaign, it could be a knockout win for Pacman, especially that they are endorsing Roy Chiongbian, whose name has just been heard recently.

Picture from Imageshack.us