Pacquiao-Solis fight puts Comelec in quandary

Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao’s entry into politics has not only awed the nation but has put the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in a quandary.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said Friday the scheduled fight in April of Pacquiao, who is seeking a congressional seat this election, could be a test case for the Fair Elections Act.

The law contains a provision that limits TV appearances of candidates for the entire campaign period.

Pacquiao’s bout against Mexican Jorge Solis will likely be aired in the Philippines, giving the boxer hours of exposure to voters.

"There is no precedent on this case," Jimenez said. “There was no sportsman of his caliber in the past who ran for an elective position and the contest was set to occur during the election period.

"Jimenez said it is up to the Comelec en banc to decide what to do in the television airing of the Pacquiao-Solis fight if the Filipino ring icon files a certificate of candidacy on of before the March 29 deadline for local positions.- GMANews.TV