By Ryan Dunn: If anyone has been following the political landscape in the Philippines, where the polls have recently closed, you may have noticed it is no picnic. Sleaze ball tactics, including voter fraud, vote buying, smear campaigns to make Mayweather’s PED accusation look like a yo’ mama joke, and even mass-murder have all played an active role in the rough-and-tumble climate surrounding the elections.

You may also have noticed a changing of the tide with regard to Manny Pacquiao’s chances of winning his second attempt at a congressional seat (his first, failed, attempt was in 2007).

Early reports have Pacquiao gaining three votes to every one counted for his opponent, billionaire Roy Chiongbian from the well-established Chiongbian clan, a political force in the region where Roy’s brother is stepping down as a result of term-limits. This report is according to Michael Marley of the Boxing Examiner, one of only a few journalists allowed insider access to Pacquiao’s headquarters, a bunker-like fortress in the province, where Manny communicates via walkie talkie to his “soldiers” of his political camp. Pacquiao goes by the alias of Dragon1.

Rumors from various media sources say Pacquiao gave 12 million Filipino pesos (approx. $265,000 USD) to the impoverished who live on the streets of the Sarangani province, where most of its residence live on $2 USD a day. This is not unusual, as his opponent has been giving money to almost anyone who will take it in exchange for returning the favor at the polls.

As much of a lead as it appears Pacquiao has at present, it seems only 15% of the total tally has been counted. It’s too early to call it a victory, but the indications currently favor Pacquiao.

If he wins the congressional seat, journalist Marley joked to Pacquiao that Michael Buffer will have to introduce him as The Honourable Manny Pacquiao. Manny simply replied by putting his finger to his lips, as if to say “Don’t jinx it. I haven’t won yet.”

In related news, Bob Arum has apparently disclosed to this same journalist — Arum and Koncz have been and will remain with Manny until after the elections are over — that Manny will be fighting on November 14 whether it is against Mayweather, Margarito, or another yet-to-be-determined opponent. Pacquiao still requires his mother’s consent (she has vowed to kneel in front of him to prevent him from boxing a gain), but Arum and team feel confident she will concede.