Rizal Philippines
March 12, 2016
Pacquiao Bradley fight violates Election Law - former Comelec Chairman
Pacquiao Bradley fight does not violate OAVL - Lawyer Macalintal
I watched the debate at ANC between the Ateneo and Palawan State University regarding the proposition that the Paqcuaio Bradley fight is giving the former an undue advantage over the other candidates and thus should be disqualified.
One is simply amazed how the law students researched the issues very well, and argued cogently on the subject matter.
However, one notes that some laws and legalities (jurispudence previous decisions) do not jibe well with one another raising more issues. The two sides were arguing on various laws like Fair Election Act and OAVL (Oversea Absentee Voting Law)
The affirmative side argued that the fight gives Pacquiao undue advantage over other candidates eg as exceeding the maximum exposure of 120 minutes media time. And thus denies other candidates equal opportunities to vbe known by the electorate
The negative side argued that Comelec does not have control over the profession of Pacquiao as a boxer. The punches and announcement does not convert into votes. While the boxer is ahead in popularity he is only No. 12 in terms of possible votes. Pacquiao lost to Antonino in South Cotabato as representative even as a very popular boxer then (and spent heavily) but was badly beaten. The voters are intelligent these days and would discern who to vote. The undue advantage is highly speculative. Boxing is a sports event and is not a prohibited act under the Fair Elections Act. That his name would be mentioned many times is only incidental and not deliberate event.
The fact is Pacquiaos being a boxer, and 8 category champs, unequalled in annals of boxing has undue advantage, as are TV hosts, or incumbent with their numerous committee hearings
Yes I would like to side more on the negative side that the proposition violates the rights of Pacquiao as a boxer and that it is highly speculative, that the event while being held abroad could sway votes. Pacman has his limitation and weakness and the Bradley Pacquiao fight would be of no consequence
If however Pacquiao has his pants with vote Pacquiao for senator, or such words as his tatoo, then it is a different story, or if the ring announcer pitches it in.
Has the debate given Pacquaio an undue advantage,or has the DQ case vs Poe given her undue media exposure.?What do you think?
