Marbel, South Cotabato Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said yesterday boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao may face defeat should he decide to run as congressman in Saranggani in 2010 due to his lack of competence.

“Last election, we said he has credibility, he has commitment to the Filipino people especially the poor. But he lacks competence. That’s why he lost,” he said over Church-run Radyo Veritas 846.

But even the credibility of Pacquiao, Gutierrez said, is also being questioned now due to his associations with certain people.

“His credibility is also being questioned now especially with his friends who are gamblers and the way he is getting lands here…that’s also questionable. We have to look into that deeper,” he said.

The prelate is also convinced that Pacquiao is only being influenced by the people around him to run in 2010.

“It’s possible that he is only being pushed by his friends and the administration (to run),” said Gutierrez.

The Marbel prelate then urged Pacquiao to forget politics and just concentrate on boxing.

“He should stick to boxing. If he really likes to help the poor he could put up a foundation for example, scholarships, foundation for health care, foundation for jobs…he could do all these things. He just needs to get some credible and competent people to manage the foundation,” Gutierrez said.

Earlier, Pacquiao revealed his plan to run as congressman in Saranggani
province in next year’s elections, even forming his own local party, the People’s Champ Movement.