Does he deserve to be senator?

World-renowned boxer Manny Pacqiao may be a giant in the ring and holds the unique distinction of having won titles in eight weight divisions, but is he good enough to sit in the Senate?

According to a certain Ferdinand Sevilla, Pacquiao should not be allowed to run for senator because his record in the House as congressman representing Sarangani province has been dismal.

The petition for Pacquiao's disqualification filed before the Commission on Elections this week cited his "pattern of absenteeism" in Congress as ground for the poll body to reject his candidacy in next year's polls.

Out of the House’s 168 session days in 2013, Pacquiao posted 60 absences. In 2014, he reported at the House for only seven days out of 70 session days, the petition said.

The petition said the boxing champion should also be declared a “nuisance” candidate as he is “non-serious and a nuisance.”

The petition also claims that "respondent Pacquiao, who has not retired from professional boxing, cannot guarantee he will avoid absenteeism and will conscientiously attend to his mandated task of legislating if elected to the upper chamber of Congress.”

“Pacquiao’s filing of COC for senator in the upcoming national elections, therefore, comprises a sheer and shameless mockery of the election process.”

The petitioner, however, failed to pay the filing fee of P10,000, so the Comelec had yet to docket the petition.

The petition has merit. Pacquiao's absenteeism in the House raises questions about his priorities. A legislator, after all, is supposed to do his homework and go over proposed as well as approved bills so that he can raise intelligent questions on the floor. If he is not around most of the time, how can he participate in crafting laws?

While the nation is proud of Pacquiao because of his ring prowess, we expect him to do his work as lawmaker.

The Senate is a forum for serious debate on issues of national interest. If Pacquiao would be too busy in training for his bouts or as player/coach of a professional basketball team, when will he find time to study proposed bills on his desk?

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