Newly crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) super-featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao met with President Gloria Arroyo and her husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, in Malaca?ang on Monday.
Pacquiao, who arrived in Manila early Monday from Las Vegas, was welcomed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.
The boxer was accompanied by his wife Jinkee, former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis ?Chavit? Singson, and Environment Secretary Jose Atienza Jr.
Pacquiao was crowned the new WBC super-featherweight champion after beating Mexico?s Juan Manuel Marquez in a controversial 12-round split decision last week.
Earlier in the day, the Filipino champion attended a thanksgiving Mass in Quiapo Church in Manila. Although the church was not packed with fans, Pacquiao was well-received.
Pacquiao arrived at the church around 9:05 a.m. with Jinky on board a gray sports utility vehicle, along with his convoy, minutes after leaving New World Renaissance Hotel in Makati City, where he had breakfast with family and friends.
Security was tight, but he still took time to shake hands with some supporters, mostly vendors in the area.
The Manila Police District deployed 60 personnel to protect Pacquiao and prevent the crowding of people just like the last time he visited the Quiapo Church after his fight against Erik ?El Terible? Morales.
Pacquiao said he will be having a motorcade today in Quezon City, Manila, Pasay City and Makati City.
He will attend the Eighth Gabriel ?Flash? Elorde Memorial Awards at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel on Tuesday to receive Philippine boxing?s highest honor.
Pacquiao will be the first Filipino fighter to be enshrined in the Elorde Boxing Hall of Fame, an honor given to boxers who receive the Boxer of the Year award for seven consecutive years. –Angelo S. Samonte And Ruben D. Manahan 4th
