GENERAL Santos City – The message of Manny Pacquiao during an interview after his fight yesterday was cut off by the opposition while being shown live inside the Lagao gym. While Pacquiao was being interview, the crowd at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas was heard shouting “Congressman! Congressman!” The message of the 28-year old Pacquiao was also not clearly heard due to some erratic signals. Ernie Quinsay, chief of staff of Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. also ordered the operator of the big screen to cut off the showing already. “Mukhang na sabotahe nila ang pagpapalabas ng message na,” said a spectator from Manila. The free viewing was sponsored by the city government and former Mayor Adelbert Antonino, whose daughter incumbent Congressman Darlene Antonino-Custodio is running against Pacquiao in the coming May 14 elections in the first district of South Cotabato. Darlene’s mother Lu, a former congresswoman, was also present. They were all seen clapping their hands after Pacquiao stopped Mexican Jorge Solis in 1:43 of the 8th round to retain his World Boxing Council International super featherweight title. Also seen at the big screen were streamers printed with “Pacquiao for Congressman” and “Good Night Darlene”. When asked on her reaction, Darlene only said, “Okay lang.” Darlene said that she was happy that Pacquiao had won again and gave prestige and honor for the country. She also encouraged everyone to join in the hero’s welcome on April 18. “Nalipay ko na nidaug si Manny,” Darlene said. Yesterday’s attendance, however, was lesser compared to the previous jampacked crowd. It was estimated at least 3,000. Only one big screen was put up yesterday unlike in the previous one which had two big screens. The emcee yesterday at the gym kept on announcing after each other fight that the free viewing was sponsored by the city government and Adelbert Antonino. Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s mother Dionisia and younger brother Bobby were all very happy of the victory and thanked God for it. “Daku akong pasalamat nga nidaug na sad akong anak ug mapadayon na niya ang obligasyon dinhi sa distrito uno,” Dionisia said. Bobby, on the other hand, said: “Agresibo siya sa fight ug gusto dyud na humamon dayon. Talagang pinag-aralan niya (Manny) si Solis.”
