SAYING HE is behind President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo every step of the way, Manny Pacquiao will occupy a special place in the gallery when the Chief Executive makes her State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) today at Congress.
“Hindi ako gaya ng mga marami dyan na pabalibaliktad. Hindi ako balimbing,” Pacquiao said yesterday during a lull in his shooting of the movie “Lisensyadong Kamao.”
In preparation for today’s affair, Pacquiao was scheduled to tape a short film in relation to the SONA showing him carrying the Philippine flag later Sunday night at RPN 9.
On Saturday night, Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee, had to beat the closing of a mall in Ermita so she could buy a Barong Tagalong that his husband will wear.
Pacquiao is one of the most loyal supporters of President Arroyo and for his display of devotion, he has been mentioned in previous Sona speeches.
Malaca?ang holds the GenSan fighter close to its heart that everytime Pacquiao arrives home from overseas assignments, he is brought over to the Palace to meet the President.
During a show of support to President Arroyo last week at the Luneta, Pacquiao was among those who graced the event and voiced out his loyalty to the President.
As a testament to this rare trait, Pacquiao has opted not to bring his former business manager Rod Nazario to court even though he has been advised by his current handlers to do so.
Today’s Sona will be among the last few commitments that Pacquiao will honor as he is slated to leave for the States on Aug. 1 to start training for his comeback fight on Sept. 10 in Los Angeles.
Pacquiao, 26, has been penciled to battle Hector Velazquez of Mexico in a 12-rounder at the Staples Center.
