MANILA, Philippines?The South Cotabato lawmaker who handed Manny Pacquiao his first defeat in politics has expressed disappointment over the Filipino world champion?s decision to formally join the administration party Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi, Partner of the Free Filipino).

House Deputy Minority Leader Darlene Custodio of South Cotabato and General Santos City, who beat Pacquiao in the last congressional elections, said the boxing champ would be better off bringing different groups in the country together instead of engaging in ?divisive? partisan politics.

?Sayang lang (What a waste),? said the oppositionist Custodio when asked what she thought of Pacquiao?s decision to join the party founded by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

?Politics is naturally divisive. What he has achieved as a boxer?uniting the country?he can continue doing even when he retires by advocating certain issues?not necessarily entering politics,? she added.

Custodio is a member of the Nationalist People?s Coalition that figured prominently in consecutive impeachment complaints against Arroyo.

?But if he really wants to (be in politics), it?s a free country,? Custodio said in a telephone interview.

Custodio herself filed a resolution expressing the House of Representatives? pride in the boxer from General Santos City after he demolished American David Diaz a few months back.

Speaker Prospero Nograles, Custodio and other House leaders presented the resolution to Pacquiao before the House plenary.

Pacquiao has told reporters that he plans to retire in 2009 and enter politics in 2010. He said he could fight two more bouts after his scheduled match in December with Oscar Dela Hoya before hanging up his gloves.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, the party chair, and Kampi stalwarts were on hand in Camp Crame to welcome Pacquiao to the administration party on Monday.