LAS VEGAS ? First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and a handful of congressmen paid Manny Pacquiao a visit hours before the acclaimed Filipino prizefighter conquered the scales and expressed his readiness for Saturday night?s big battle with Erik Morales of Mexico at the MGM Grand.
Arroyo joins a bevy of politicians from the Philippines who have arrived here to watch Pacquiao?s highly-anticipated bout that will only be seen on HBO Pay-Per-View if one won?t be able to gain entry into the arena on fight night.
During the official weighin held at the Grand Garden Arena, congressmen who joined in cheering for Pacquiao include Jesli Lapuz (Tarlac), Eric Singson (Ilocos), Chito Bersamin (Abra) and Rudito Ablan (Isabela). Dining at the Studio Wok inside the MGM Grand were ex-Sen. Robert Barbers and Pagcor chief Efraim Genuino.
Other big-name personalities from the world of sports and politics gracing the affair include Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, North Cotabato Gov. Manny Pi?ol, former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain and former Philippine Sports Commission chair Philip Juico.
“Walang talo itong si Manny. Tabla lang ang panalo dito ni Morales,” said Barbers.
“Unang-una ay buo ang loob ni Manny at alam niya na nasa likod niya ang buong Pilipinas,” said Atienza, who proclaimed Pacquiao as an “Adopted Son of Manila” a few years back.
