Rio have just ended, having a long time drought of gold medal, Philippines went home victorious with a single silver.
The Philippines' lone silver for this Rio Olympics is brought by Hidilyn Diaz of the weightlifting competition. Philippines only had 10 olympic medals, 3 of them were silver and the rest was bronze. The last silver of the Philippines had was during the 1996 Summer Olympics by Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco of Men's Flyweight Boxing. It has been almost 20 years since the country had a silver.
But the Philippines had its chance to take home a gold. The smallest chance it had. It is through the Eight Division World Champion, Manny Pacquiao. He who had won in the recent National Elections as a Senator.
Pacquiao, after the elections, plays with the idea of fighting in the Olympics after the International Boxing Association (AIBA) allows professional boxers to qualify for Rio 2016. This gives hope for the Philippines to have their first gold. He was even invited by the AIBA President Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu to join the Olympics and aim for the Philippines' first gold medal.
However, before the Rio Olympics, Pacquiao begged of from the Olympics and decided to prioritize his legislative duties. "I have decided to prioritize my legislative duty as I owe it to the people who voted for me," the eight-time world champion said in a text message to AFP. The Philippines loses the chance to bring home a gold medal. Missing the gold medal.
Now, Pacquiao confirms that he will step on the ring once again, keeping aside his retirement plans again . The Senator just recently confirmed his comeback fight against Jessie Vargas in November.
How about his legislative duties? Easy, time management. "I want to make it clear – my priority is my legislative works. My next fight has not yet been discussed. Should there be any, I'll make sure it will not interfere with my Senate duties" Pacquiao said
So now, what is the difference between playing in the olympics and playing in the professional ring? If he can manage his time for his professional career, why can't he for the national interest of the olympics?
If he can adjust everything, just for the fight this coming November. Why can't he adjust everything for the Olympics? For the Philippines?
