MANILA, Philippines – Three days after his return from his sensational victory over Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao finally gets to call on President Arroyo at Malaca?ang.
Based on tradition, after each fight, Pacquiao visits the President on the day of his arrival, following a motorcade that takes him around Metro Manila.
For several reasons, the schedules were altered this time.
The motorcade was moved from Friday to today because of the poor weather forecasts the past few days, while his visit to the Palace was postponed because of the Department of Health?s order for Pacquiao and his entourage to undergo quarantine.
The A(H1N1) scare continued to create some stir amid reports that it had spread through Los Angeles where the newly crowned International Boxing Organization light welterweight champion was based for the last two months or more.
But Pacquiao has already undergone a couple of tests clearing him of the deadly virus.
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said it is all systems go for Pacquiao?s welcome reception at the Palace as part of the National Day of Celebration for his dramatic victory against Hatton.
The World Health Organization (WHO) earlier issued an advisory for those who came from areas where there is an outbreak of the virus to go on a five-day self-quarantine and practice ?social distancing? or to avoid physical contact and keep a distance of at least one meter from others.
?Manny Pacquiao arrived in the country and he has already passed all the required precautionary protocols in the airport and he passed with flying colors. So I think in fairness to our Pambansang Kamao, he does not pose as a health hazard to anyone,? Remonde said.
Pacquaio and his entourage are expected to arrive at the Palace at 11 a.m. where Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita will receive him.
The boxing legend will be met by honor guards and a playing band from the Presidential Security Group.
Once inside the Rizal Hall, Ermita will read the proclamation declaring the National Day of Celebration issued by Mrs. Arroyo. The President will then hand a copy of the proclamation to Pacquiao.
This will be followed by luncheon in honor of Pacquiao.
Remonde said the motorcade and other activities for Pacquiao will be handled by other government agencies.
The motorcade starts at 8 a.m. today and should start along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City following a hero?s welcome to be hosted by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza at his office.
The parade will also cover Quezon City, Makati, Manila and Pasay, according to an advisory.
Pacquiao fans are expected to line the streets along the Visayas, Mindanao, North, West, Quezon, Araneta and Magsaysay avenues, Forbes, Tayuman, Pritil, Moriones, Zaragosa, Del Pan, Bonifacio Drive, T.M. Kalaw, Taft Avenue, Pedro Gil, Tejeron, A. Francisco, Onyx, Dagonoy, Amatista, P. Ocampo, Arellano, Estrada, Quirino Avenue, Adriatico, Harrison, Buendia, Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, all the way to the Pag-IBIG building. ? With Paolo Romero
