Mark Quion

There are quite a few things on my facebook that I’m embarrassed about, I’ll be the first to admit that I may, at times, post things I know I will regret in the future… This one, I stand behind… Here we go!!!

It wasn’t too long ago that I posted this status on my facebook.  Learning that PacMan filed for candidacy was when I started to worry.  You see, unfortunately in the Philippines, the election is a popularity contest… They spent millions if not billions in automating the elections when they probably should have just provided him with a 1-866 number (not 1-800 numbers so dial carefully, Seacrest out) and had the voters vote for two hours after the show.  When he announced he was running for congress, it was a sure win, no doubt.

Now, I’m not a Pacquiao hater, I’d consider myself a fan of him and his sport.  I don’t contest that he has achieved success in boxing through unbelievable talent.  I’m front and center during his boxing matches, multi tasking between focusing on the screen and thinking of witty posts to put on facebook to make my status stand out amongst all of my friends’ posts about how awesome PacMan is, but my adoration for him ends there.

Not too long ago (once again) did I post a video of Mr. PacMan standing in congress, contesting the Reproductive Health Bill (similar to the Birth Control Bill in the US).  As he was standing trying to make a statement, objecting to a clause in the bill, no one… not ONE member of his intelligent team informed him that the exact clause he was objecting was already amended and removed.  Now I am absolutely annoyed at the “writer” who falsely injected and misquoted PacMan, and this is not about his reference to Leviticus, this isn’t even about his beliefs about Gay Marriage.   I’m not going to object to his beliefs, those are his, and not for me to judge.  You don’t have to agree, but you must respect…  This is about him making a statement, as a Public Idol and a Political Figure.

Which leads me to this… ready?  Here we gooooo!

As a Filipino, you are entitled to a right, as provided by the 1987 Constitution Article 3 Section 4 which states, “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press” I concede, you definitely have the right to voice your religious beliefs.  Furthermore, Article 3 Section 5 says “No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.”  Once again, your religious beliefs (albeit questionable) MUST be respected as required by the Philippine Constitution.  

The Philippine Constitution gave you the right to your beliefs and the right to voice it out as well.  Being given that right does not mean you must always exercise it, and when you do, please do it intelligently (Proceed with caution, the rest of this will be painful).  

Gay marriage may be a hot topic, and this is precisely why you should probably stay away from it; and if your beliefs won’t allow you to keep away from the topic, be prepared to defend your view.  I don’t think every politician should be required to hold a college degree, I’m sure there are many out there that are great at what they do, and never have ever stepped foot in college, but most in your position have humble beginnings and years of experience.  You Sir, were torpedoed into your position because of your fame and fortune, you do not have enough experience in politics to make a valid argument in a topic as sensitive as this.  Many political figures object the reproductive health bill, and even more object to gay marriage, but they are equipped to defend their position, you Sir, are not.  Your constituents may love you because you share your blessings with them, and while there is nothing wrong with that, you Sir are a Philanthropist, not a Legislator.  Stick to what you know, and stay away from what you don’t.  You do not have to hold a political position to continue to give to the needy.  Leave the politics to those who know and understand their role and will execute their duties accordingly.  You are an excellent Boxer, but you sir, are a Horrible Legislator…