Fresh from his victory in the boxing ring against a Mexican fighter, Manny Pacquiao said Tuesday that he was looking forward to his next bout, this time in the political arena.
Pacquiao arrived back in the country and was met by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. He had breakfast at the Manila Hotel before proceeding to City Hall to face the media.
Paying a courtesy call on President Arroyo in Malaca?ang, Pacquiao announced he was temporary setting aside his boxing career and concentrate on his candidacy as congressman of South Cotabato.
He thanked his rival, incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio, for cheering him on during his fight against Jorge Solis in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday.
Pacquiao knocked out Solis in the eighth round to retain his World Boxing Council super featherweight crown.
He dismissed talk that many of his supporters were against his decision to run for Congress.
“There maybe those who are opposed, but many changed their minds after I have answered their concern that my boxing career will suffer once I entered politics,” he said.
He said it had always been his desire to serve the people of his hometown, General Santos City, and South Cotabato.
Asked who between Solis and Custodio is the tougher opponent, Pacquiao laughed and said that in boxing he gave pride to the Filipino people while his political fight would be decided by the people.
President Arroyo received Pacquiao, his wife Jinky and Bernabe Concepcion the new World Boxing Council Youth Super Bantamweight champion who fought in Sunday’s under?card against another Mexican.
After the ceremony, Pacquiao was offered the native delicacy sapin-sapin in the shape of boxing gloves.
The President appreciated Pacquiao’s concern over her husband, Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, who is recovering at the St. Luke’s Medical Center after heart surgery last week.
Pacquiao said as soon as Mike Arroyo’s doctors approve his visit he would find time to drop by at the hospital.
After the Palace ceremony a motorcade arranged by the Atienza administration took Pacquiao around Manila.
Pacquiao was accompanied by Mayor Atienza and his son Ali, who is running for mayor. The Atienzas have been long-time supporters of Pacquiao.
Atienza dismissed claims that the presence of his son and his running mate Don Bagatsing was an attempt to add political flavor to the motorcade.
“Every time Manny has won his match, Ali and I have arranged a motorcade for him,” Atienza said. I don’t see why this time should be any different. This motorcade is about Manny and his victory.”
