MANILA, Philippines—If Manny Pacquiao does plunge into politics, there’s a fairly good chance that the contenders will hitch their wagons to his star.

At least five aspirants for the presidency in 2010 have said they could form an alliance with Pacquiao if his political party, the People’s Champ Movement, runs on a platform of good governance and breeds opportunities for unity among Filipinos.

In a leadership forum held on Monday night at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, Senators Francisco Escudero, Richard Gordon and Mar Roxas, Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro agreed that the boxing champion’s drawing power could do good for the country if utilized wisely.

The five aspirants were asked if they were willing to form a coalition with Pacquiao’s party.

‘Why not?’

Said Gordon, who was asked to answer first: “Why not? Politics should not leave anyone behind … I am sure Manny will have a lot of say in things that concern poor Filipinos making their way up.”

Gordon also said that if he were to link up with Pacquiao in 2010, he would make the boxing champion a role model for work ethics.

The senator pointed out that Pacquiao, with his sheer determination and hard work, could be a good mayor someday.

Panlilio said that should he decide to seek the presidency, he might coalesce with Pacquiao if the latter’s party runs on a platform of good governance and reform.

But it is necessary that a serious scrutiny of the People’s Champ Movement, and the people behind it, be conducted, said Panlilio, who in 2007 temporarily left the priesthood and sought the top post in Pampanga on a platform of good governance and genuine change.

“I believe that [we] should cut across political boundaries … If Manny’s platform holds value for genuine service and the development of the country, why not?” Panlilio said, adding:

“But if not, I am sorry, I cannot be with him.”

Drawing power

Teodoro took note of Pacquiao’s drawing power among the Filipino youth, and said this could be employed in conveying government policies to the public.

The defense secretary observed that even big corporations trusted the boxing champion, as proved by the scores of endorsements offered him.

“I will welcome him if he will voice out a message that will be good for our youth,” Teodoro said.

Roxas, the president of the Liberal Party, said he would unite with Pacquiao in 2010 if the latter’s platform of government matches his.

Escudero said he was likewise open to the idea, provided that Pacquiao and his party espouse more occasions to unite the country riddled with corruption and poverty.

“He just should not bring along with him the one he visited in Malacañang a while ago,” Escudero said, referring to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Early on Monday, Ms Arroyo honored Pacquiao with a reception in Malacañang, a declaration naming him an ambassador for peace, and a luncheon that included a cake especially designed by Palace chefs.

Knockout warning

Pacquiao is rumored to be preparing to run for the lone congressional seat in Sarangani province next year.

Just last week, Malacañang discouraged Pacquiao from returning to the political arena, warning him of a possible knockout.

On his first try for a congressional seat in 2007, the boxing champion was roundly defeated by South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio.