Last May 7, Manny ?Pacman? Pacquiao gave another reason for Filipinos to celebrate after defeating another formidable opponent in the face of Shane ?Sugar? Mosley?proving once again that he is still the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Believing that every fight is a challenge to be won for his kababayans, Manny emerged triumphant again at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas after winning over Shane Mosley via a unanimous decision. Sporting yellow gloves this time, the ?People?s Champ? sent a clearer message on his stand against poverty in the country. Pacquiao wore the symbolic color last Saturday to support President Aquino?s campaign to eradicate poverty in the country.
In an interview with GMA News, Pacquiao?s mother, Mrs. Dionisia Pacquiao, expressed her anxiety right after her son?s fight with Mosley, saying that Manny?s retirement will be the greatest gift her son could ever give her on Mother?s Day and on her upcoming 65th birthday on May 15.
Top Rank Promotion?s CEO, Bob Arum, meanwhile said in an interview with BoxingScene.com that, Pacquiao, who was believed to have pursed $20million (exclusive of Pay Per View sales) from his fight with Mosley, will not retire anytime soon as the former plans to have ?at least five more fights? before 2013.
While Pacquiao?s fans rejoice over the fact that he is not quitting boxing any time soon, the latter?s colleague in the Senate, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, has got retired Filipino international athletes on her mind.
Following the report that former athletes are only given $140 (P6, 000) as a monthly allowance by the government thourgh the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC); Santiago recently proposed the Senate bill No. 214, which entitles athletes ?who reaches the age of 50, or has been disabled by illness or accident, to receive a monthly stipend. The bill also includes health benefits, from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). The stipend amount will depend on whether an athlete had won in an individual sporting event ($349 or P15, 000) or was a team member ($233 or P10, 000). The bill likewise provides death benefits up to P30, 000 for a retired athlete.?
Athletes are considered heroes for risking their own welfare for the pride of their country. Unfortunately, the greatest heroes can sometimes be put behind when another hero comes along. Yesterday?s athletes need not be forgotten but instead be considered as legendary; because like today?s sportsmen, they also risked their health, moreover, their lives just to give their country the honor and glory they know it deserves.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LV May 12-18, 2011 Sec A pg.6)
