MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang heaped praise on boxing champion Manny Pacquaio for declaring that he will give politics another shot in the 2010 elections, but cautioned him against letting his political plans distract him from winning his remaining fights.

Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said there could be "no question" of Pacquaio's sincerity sine the boxing icon would be giving up a lucrative career to serve his countrymen.

"For a man who has all the frame, glory, adulation and wealth he could ever want in a lifetime, the only purpose to be in politics is to be of service and help to his countrymen in a direct, sustained, and institutional fashion," Claudio said in a statement.

Pacquiao ran for Congress in the 2007 elections but lost to incumbent South Cotabato Representative Darlene Antonino Custodio.

"The district or local unit he [Pacquiao] envisions to serve will definitely derive [benefits] from his example, leadership, civic-mindedness and patriotism. He can also inspire unity among diverse ethnic, religious and political groups in Mindanao, the way he would unite and rally the entire nation every time he fights in the professional ring," Claudio said.

"However, we only hope that until he hangs his boxing gloves, he does not allow himself to be distracted from winning all his matches for the glory of the country the countrymen he loves," Claudio added.

Pacquiao is slated to fight Oscar dela Hoya in December. He has said he wants to retire in August next year after.