MANILA, Philippines (PNA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III on Saturday morning said he is happy about international boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao?s offer to help in advancing peace in Mindanao.
?But as far as the peace process for Mindanao is concerned, we have already fully constituted the government panel that will talk peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. It is advancing, one way or the other,? the President said in a press briefing during the call on the Chief Executive by Pacquiao, who flew in from Dallas and headed straight to Quiapo church for a 9 a.m. mass and then to the Premier Guest House.
Before the President joined the press briefing, Pacquiao told reporters he was willing to help, in any capacity, to promote peace and development, as envisioned by President Aquino.
The President said Manny will be a great help if a legislation to amend some laws to ensure peace and progress in Mindanao as sought by MILF is required in Congress. ?As a congressman he can help us in these proposed legislation,? the President said.
?I suppose, from where Manny lives, his province is not too distant from the places of conflict and strife,? the President said.
In a separate interview, Pacquiao said he would focus on being a congressman of Sarangani and attend to his numerous pet projects to alleviate poverty such as the three-story ultra-modern hospital worth P200 million that would start construction next year.
Pacquiao also met with Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, who invited him to visit DPWH on Monday so they could discuss his proposals for the construction of a road and revival of a bridge in the province.
The pound-for-pound boxing icon said he would not face any opponents for now, including Floyd Mayweather ?since he has a lot of court cases to attend to,? Pacquiao said of Mayweather.
Pacquiao said in all his fight, including that with Margarito, his driving force is the Lord and the Filipino people. He said that before he left for Dallas he sought President Aquino?s help for his hospital project.
He said he is not considering retiring from the boxing ring yet but neither is he entertaining new fights in the near future. ?I will concentrate first on serving my district who elected me as congressman.?
He also brushed aside reports that he wants to vie for the presidency. ?My focus is on serving my constituents. I am happy being a congressman,? he said.
