Manny Pacquiao.
Several sports figures shone in the political arena by winning in Monday’s local elections, with boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao heading the list.
Pacquiao won a second term unopposed as representative of the lone district of Sarangani with national cycling chief Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino joining the eight-division world boxing champion in the House of Representatives as congressman of the seventh district of Cavite.
Former Philippine Olympic Committee chair and ex-congressman Monico Puentevella prevailed in the mayoral race in Bacolod City.
“I can help my constituents and sports better with this victory,” said Tolentino.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chair and former Misamis Oriental governor Oscar Moreno also won, this time as mayor of the premier city of Cagayan de Oro.
Ali Atienza, a former Asian taekwondo champion, topped the councilors’ race in the fifth district of Manila while Pacquiao’s wife, Jinkee, was proclaimed the new vice governor of Sarangani.
Basketball coaches Yeng Guiao and Franz Pumaren and former PBA cagers Jason Webb and Mar Morelos also won in the polls, the latter three as city councilors.
Rain or Shine coach and three-term Pampanga vice governor Guiao took the congressional seat in the province’s first district, while Air21 coach Pumaren won as councilor in Quezon City’s third district.