MANILA, Philippines—Another win for the People’s Champ.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Thursday accredited boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s local political party, which is expected to bolster his political ambitions come 2010 elections.

The Comelec second division, chaired by Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer, declared People’s Champ Movement (PCM) a legitimate political party. It will have jurisdiction in General Santos City and Sarangani province.

“We found nothing that would disqualify from registering the petitioner as a local political party and, hence, no reason to deny the registration of the petitioner,” Ferrer said in his ruling.

Pacquiao, whose first try as a politician ended in defeat when he ran for congressman in General Santos City, is again considering a seat in Congress.

The PCM was organized in September 2008. Pacquiao, as party president, will have the power to fund and support local officials running for elective posts in General Santos and Sarangani.

Should Pacquiao decide to run under the PCM for a national post, his party should have the backing of a national party, the Comelec said.

The PCM, according to its constitution and by-laws filed before the Comelec, aims to promote the economy and improve the peace and order situation in its areas of jurisdictions.

“We swear to work for the development of the Province of Sarangani and the City of General Santos and the upliftment of the social, economic, cultural and political well-being and welfare of our members and constituents,” the party constitution said.

The PCM said it wanted to create a “special economic zone and bring investors” to General Santos and Sarangani. It also plans to build cooperatives and strengthen microfinance in the region.

The party also shows strong allegiance and support to the military. Pacquiao is a Philippine Army reservist with a rank of master sergeant.

It said that it would revive the Civilian Volunteers Organization and “promote high morale among military service units thru the transparent use, distribution, and utilization of the intelligence funds.”

The PCM also vowed to provide swift delivery of basic social services by building more hospitals, schools and hiring more doctors, teachers and social workers.