Rain or Shine Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao has been in the limelight not just for his basketball acumen but also for his political career. With a long-standing involvement in both sports and politics, Guiao is in a unique position to offer insights on the growing number of sportspersons entering the political arena in the Philippines. Recently, he opened up about this trend and shared his thoughts on how voters should approach these candidates.
Guiao, who served as vice governor of Pampanga for nine years and spent a term as a congressman, spoke candidly about the rise of sporting figures stepping into public office. His experience in both fields gives him a well-rounded perspective on the matter.
He emphasized the importance of voters being discerning in their choice of candidates, especially when considering sportspersons who are running for political positions.
In an interview with ABS-CBN, Guiao offered a gentle but firm reminder to voters:
"Ang sinasabi ko rin sa mga bumoboto, ‘hindi porke basketball player, artista, or sikat, eh iboboto mo. Pag-aralan niyo mabuti kung anong klase pagkatao niya, kung ano ‘yung programa niya, kung ano ‘yung record niya before, kung may kaalaman siya doon sa pinasokn niya."
Translated into English, Guiao is essentially saying that just because a candidate is a basketball player, a celebrity, or a famous personality, that doesn't mean they are automatically fit for public office. Voters should take the time to study the candidate's character, platform, past achievements, and qualifications before making a decision.
Guiao also clarified that while he doesn’t endorse a sportsperson just because they come from the same industry, he doesn’t see a problem with athletes seeking political positions. In his view, it's ultimately up to the voters to choose wisely and avoid selecting candidates solely based on popularity.
The list of Filipino sportspersons running for office has been growing steadily over the years. Among the notable names who have announced their candidacy for the 2025 midterm elections are boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, basketball stars James Yap, Renren Ritualo, Don Allado, and Kenneth Duremdes, as well as former players turned coaches like Franz Pumaren and Dondon Hontiveros.
Panoorin: Senator Manny Pacquiao, naghain ng coc sa pagka senador. pic.twitter.com/vkgiLNcIn6
— robert mano (@robertmano47) October 7, 2024
This surge in sportspersons joining the political race reflects a larger trend where athletes transition into public service after their sports careers wind down.
Guiao's advice is timely, as athletes often bring with them a built-in fanbase, which can sometimes translate into votes. However, as Guiao points out, a candidate’s popularity should not be the only factor when deciding who to elect. A thorough assessment of their track record and their ability to handle the responsibilities of public office is crucial.
He continued by saying:
“So ‘di ko naman ie-endorse kunwari ang isang basketball player dahil pareho kami ng pinanggalingan. Nasa sa botante din ‘yan na mamili pa rin sila. ‘Wag lang ‘yung sikat ang iboboto nila. Wala naman akong problema do’n, ‘no. Kung gusto nilang maramdaman kung pa’no magsilbi as a politician, okay lang ‘yon.”
In this statement, Guiao highlights that he wouldn't automatically endorse a fellow basketball player just because of their shared background. Instead, he believes voters should focus on choosing the best person for the job, regardless of their previous fame or field of expertise.
There are several reasons why sportspersons decide to transition into politics. First, many athletes develop a large following during their playing careers. Their popularity often gives them a platform to address larger social issues, and some use this influence to advocate for changes in their communities.
Second, sportspersons are seen as role models, often admired for their discipline, dedication, and leadership on and off the court or field. These qualities, combined with their visibility in the public eye, make them appealing candidates for political office.
Lastly, after retiring from sports, many athletes are still relatively young and may seek new challenges or ways to contribute to society. Public service offers a meaningful avenue for them to continue their leadership in a different capacity.
Guiao’s own political career is a testament to the fact that sportspersons can successfully transition into politics. His nine years as the vice governor of Pampanga and one term as a congressman gave him ample experience in public service. During his tenure, Guiao focused on various social and economic issues that affected his constituents.
Despite his long and successful career in politics, Guiao has no immediate plans to return to public office. He remains focused on his basketball coaching duties with Rain or Shine. Still, his unique perspective as both a coach and former politician gives him a well-rounded understanding of the intersection between sports and politics.
In addition to the names mentioned earlier, the upcoming 2025 midterm elections will feature many other notable sportspersons. From basketball players like James Yap and Danny Ildefonso to volleyball players and boxing legends like Manny Pacquiao, the list of athletes running for public office continues to grow.
For these athletes, the shift from sports to politics may seem natural. They are used to leading teams, making strategic decisions, and dealing with pressure—skills that can translate well into a political career. However, as Guiao emphasized, it’s essential for voters to assess these candidates based on their political qualifications and platforms rather than their achievements in the sports world.
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