IT?S “Manny Pacquiao Day” at the House of Representatives as the boxing champ and Sarangani representative returns to his new-found love, public service.
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte will bestow on Pacquiao the Congressional Medal of Distinction at 4 p.m. at a plenary session with at least 3,800 guests, including House officials and employees, in attendance.
The award cites Pacquiao for his historic feat of being the only boxer to win eight world titles in separate weight divisions.
“There will be reading of resolutions and speeches and then a get-together to honor Pacquiao,” Belmonte said. The House has adopted at least 20 resolutions commending Pacquiao, the only boxer elected to Congress.
Pacquiao won his eighth title by defeating Mexican Antonio Margarito for the WBC super welterweight crown at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas last Saturday.
Pacquiao was welcomed by throngs of supporters Saturday.
Belmonte said Pacquiao deserves red carpet welcome “for consistently being the major source of pride and unity in the country.”
Yacap party-list Carol Jane Lopez, who is also from Sarangani, said the House will throw a party for the “Pacman” after the plenary session.
She said contributions from congressmen ranged from P1,000 to P100,000 each for the party where Pacquiao is expected to jam with a live band.
Pacquiao is also set to visit members of the House media for a “victory merienda” and a brief press conference which will be followed by an exclusive dinner with his colleagues.
The boxing hero will be receiving the congressional medal of distinction for the second time.
The first was conferred on him by Speaker Prospero Nograles in 2008 when he defeated American Oscar de la Hoya.
