The Philippines needs a hero who has been trained to surmount the most serious challenges to lead the country over the next decade.

Political pundits and nationalists believe that Manny Pacquiao has the makings of a true hero after he rose from humble beginnings to become a national icon who provides inspiration to the Filipino people.

Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, on his thoughts on the 2022 presidential election, said Pacquiao should not be underestimated as a presidential contender.

National artist F. Sionil Jose agrees, saying that Pacquiao has several advantages over other aspirants.

Jose, one of the best Filipino writers, said Pacquiao has money for the presidential campaign which means he does not have to scrounge for funds.  Pacquiao has worked hard for his wealth and glory, with his body paying for all the pain.

“Second – Manny is intelligent; to be where he is, he trained very hard, disciplined himself, and studied himself, his opponents, their strengths and weaknesses. His response, powered by this intelligence, is automatic and quick,” Jose said.

Pacquiao understands poverty which continues to pervade in the country.  “He rose from the depths of poverty, he knew what hunger only too well, that poverty is our people’s most serious problem. How to abolish it, I hope, is his first priority. I hear that his vices are few, affordable and riddable,” according to the national artist.

Jose also commended Paquiao for his faith in God which gives him moral strength and direction.

“He is now a senator; he is exposed to the realities of political power, how it is acquired, how it can be abused. I hope this Senate experience has illustrated to him who are the real enemies of the Filipino people, who made them poor. The oligarchy – I hope that deep in his heart and mind he understands this – that to erase poverty in this country, it is necessary to destroy, emasculate or change this oligarchy and to neutralize their political allies,” said Jose.

Nationalists also believe that no Filipino loves this country more than Pacquiao does.   This is evident in how the world champion carried and waved the Philippine flag in the brightest lights and moments of his career.

Pacquiao made sure Filipino singers would sing the national anthem in the global stage, watched by millions around the world.   He never looked down on his country and in fact proudly proclaimed his citizenship all over the world.

Pacquiao is also the most famous Filipino, who re-introduced the Philippines to the world audience.  Sports analysts said no Filipino has ever achieved such international fame and respect ever.

Analysts said it would be unwise to ignore the advice of Filipino elders like Enrile and Jose who have seen other presidents fail in their mission to uplift the conditions of poor Filipinos, despite their intellectual prowess and political influence.

No other political leader has experienced what Pacquiao went through to achieve his status today, the said, noting that Pacquiao was not from a political family nor was he a student in an Ivy League school.

Analysts said more than being successful and famous, Pacquiao is a good man who is ready to fight for the Filipino people against all odds.  He spent his personal wealth, not public funds, to feed the poor and help victims of calamities.

He is a family man who raised beautiful and God-fearing children, as what can be gleaned from the family’s social media channels.

Pacquiao has the heart of a genuine public servant and can be a unifying factor in a divided country, according to analysts. 

“Amid the unprecedented challenges the Philippines and the world face in the next decade, we need a hero in Manny Pacquiao,” according to nationalists.