For Manny Pacquiao, May 10, 2010 seems to be a much challenging date than the planned ring engagement opposite Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

According to Pacquiao’s lawyer, Franklin Gacal, the May 10, 2010 elections has been in the mind of the pound-for-pound king the last three years.

“Since his defeat in the 2007 elections Manny has told us he will not give up and give it another shot in 2010,” said Gacal in a long distance call with the Bulletin.

Pacquiao’s political debut ended unsuccessfully as he was defeated by one of Mindanao’s formidable politicians, Darlene Custodio, in their South Cotabato congressional face-off.

Next year, Pacquiao will be facing another livewire political foe this time in the lone district of Sarangani province, hometown of Pacquiao’s wife, Jinkee.

Pacquiao, 30, will be facing shipping executive Roy Chiongbian, who has been tapped by his family in a bid succeed older brother and three-term to Representative Erwin Chiongbian.

Gacal admits there may be people from Sarangani who might vote against Pacquiao especially those who would rather see their idol fight inside the ring than argue about political issues. But Pacquiao is said to be confident that voters will give more weight on his intention of bringing progress to their province.

“Manny has been getting warm approval from the people of Sarangani and he feels that his influence as an athlete will encourage more foreign investors to put up their businesses here in Sarangani,” said Gacal.