Pacquiao's 'dynasty'

Philippine boxing hero-turned-congressman Manny Pacquiao had three more relatives elected to public office this week, but a representative for the star downplayed suggestions he was creating his own "political dynasty".

The Commission on Elections said two of the boxing superstar's brothers, along with a sister-in-law, won village council seats in their home city of General Santos.

Rogelio and Bobby Pacquiao were elected councillors in separate districts of the city in polls held on Monday, while Bobby's wife, Lorelei, won re-election as village chief.

Although villages are the smallest government units, seats are hotly contested and considered the first step in building a network for politicians aspiring to higher office.

It is common practice among Filipino politicians to have their relatives run for office to put a "dynasty" in place in the hope of expanding their influence and keeping them in power.

The 34-year-old Manny Pacquiao, who recently expressed hopes of becoming president, has used the fame and riches generated from his boxing to launch a successful political career.

The high school dropout won a seat representing the impoverished southern province of Sarangani in 2010, and was re-elected unopposed in May.

His wife, Jinkee, was elected vice-governor of Sarangani, also in May.

The boxing hero was widely criticized after he said in July he hoped to run for president.

Critics said he appeared ignorant of the law which sets 40 as the minimum age for a presidential candidate, making Pacquiao too young for the next elections in 2016.

He later said he was aware of the minimum age limit and had no plans to run for the presidency in 2016.

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 11/02/2013 page16)