MANILA, Philippines – World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao arrived in the country Monday morning, more than a week after he defeated Ghanaian Joshua Clottey by unanimous decision in Texas last March 13.
Pacquiao returned to the country aboard Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR 103 from Los Angeles, California. He arrived at 5:51 a.m.
He was accompanied by his wife, Jinkee, and other Team Pacquiao members such as former environment secretary Jose “Lito” Atienza and former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson.
His children, Jimuel, Michael and Princess, welcomed their superstar father at the airport. His youngest child, Queen Elizabeth, and mother, Dionisia, were not seen at the welcome ceremony.
Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar, Jr. also welcomed Pacquiao.
From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the pound-for-pound king will proceed to the New World Hotel in Makati City to rest and have breakfast.
He will then attend a thanksgiving mass at the Quiapo Church in Manila and pay a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malaca?ang.
After the courtesy call, the 7-division world champion will take part in a motorcade which will start at Mendiola bridge and end at the Sta. Ana market.
“The People’s Champ” is expected to go to General Santos City on Friday. – With a report from Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News
