Arum to help Pacquiao’s Senate bid

American promoter Bob Arum will “provide morale support” to Manny Pacquiao when he runs for senator next year.

Arum, 83, said he will be there every step of the way to give Pacquiao a helping hand.

He, however, canot be there physically on the stage as Philippine laws don’t allow him to assume the role of a campaign manager.

“I can’t be that. I will violate the law,” said Arum from Las Vegas yesterday. But he guaranteed that he will make his presence felt. “I will definitely come over,” he said. Arum is in the process of selecting Pacquiao’s next opponent when the Sarangani congressman returns to the ring in February or April 2016.

Arum said they have a handful of names being considered but won’t know who will land the jackpot until November or even December.

If elected, Pacquiao said he will likely hang up his gloves and focus on his job as senator.

“Concentrate na sa Senado kapag pinalad tayong manalo,” said Pacquiao, who met with Arum in New York last week to discuss what’s down the road.

Arum noted that Pacquiao is deadserious in assuming his new role as lawmaker.

“Manny is serious about this being his last fight. I really talked to him at length. No more boxing. No more basketball.”

Any advice he can give to the Filipino icon?

“To be Manny Pacquiao and don’t let these politicians change him into something that he’s not.”

If Pacquiao sticks to his principles, Arum believes he will do good.

“If Manny remains who he is, he’d be an advocate for them (Filipino people).”