* Solons note how viewers in metro cinemas where the bout was shown booed when the First Gentleman, Ilocos Sur guv appeared on screen * Resolution commending Pacquiao filed in House
THE joy that Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao has brought to the nation after winning in the highly anticipated rematch with Mexican boxer Erik Morales turned into disappointment after Pacquiao was seen with First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, according to an opposition leader.
House Minority Leader Francis Escudero (Sorsogon) expressed belief that most Filipinos got furious when Arroyo and Singson stole the delight they have been enjoying the moment Paquiao was formally declared the winner after he beat Morales.
“Siguradong agarang nawala ang magandang pakiramdam ng mga Pilipino sa naging panalo ni Manny nang sandaling makita nila sina FG (First Gentleman Arroyo at Governor Singson (I am sure that the jubilation of Filipinos over the victory of Mannu got lost when they saw FG and Governor Singson),” Escudero said.
Other opposition congressmen shared Escudero’s observation saying that Pacquiao’s victory was ruined not only by the First Gentleman and the Ilocos Sur governor but also by the call made by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
“It’s truly a shame that Pacquiao’s victory would be easily spoiled by the presence of so many self-interests, starting with the First Family,” said Bayan Muna party-list Representative Joel Virador.
As the Filipino nation collectively applauded Pacquiao’s victory, an eager First Gentleman and several other politicians were shown on television making their way to the ring to hug and congratulate the country’s boxing pride.
In another incident, Mr. Arroyo was seen handing over a cellular phone to Pacquiao and stating that the person on the other line was President Arroyo.
Escudero said those who have watched the fight in cinemas booed after seeing Mr. Arroyo and other politicians.
Another opposition congressman, Citizens Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) party-list Representative Joel Villanueva said he himself witnessed how the people yelled and heckled Mr. Arroyo and Singson when they saw them on the screen.
“Talagang naasar sila nang makita ang mga ito, ibang klase ang galit ng mga Pinoy sa kanila (The people were really mad when they saw them, the people’s anger is really different this time),” Villanueva said adding that he saw the match at SM Cinema in North Edsa.
In a related development, after bringing pride and dignity for the entire nation after his brilliant victory over Mexican boxer Erik Morales last Sunday, another commendation now awaits Pacquiao from the House of Representatives.
General Santos-South Cotabato Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio yesterday filed House Resolution 1091 endorsing a commendation for Pacquiao for his victory over Morales in their return bout held at the Thomas and Mack Center at Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Custodio led other congressmen, both from the opposition and the administration, to push for the adoption of the resolution as Pacquiao restored the dignity and self respect of Filipinos and making all his countrymen all over the world proud of their heritage.
“By his humility and genuine love for the Filipino masses, Manny has fully and completely endeared himself to our countrymen and serves as a unifying factors for the entire Filipino nation,” the resolution said.
Pacquiao, at the same time, should be commended for making the boxing match with Morales a contributing factor to make Filipinos united and forget their differences even in a short period of time.
“As time stood still in General Santos City, Metro Manila and the whole Philippines, with the Filipinos forgetting their differences to cheer Pacquiao as one united nation, he has demonstrated his boxing supremacy in terms of technique, style, and power over his opponent,” she said.
Custodio, at the same time, expressed belief that Pacquiao’s victory would serve as an inspiration to the Filipino people to overcome trials and hurdle life’s challenges through sheer hard work and determination.
In a separate resolution, administration congressman Eduardo Gullas (Cebu) also asked Congress to extend the highest commendation for Pacquiao for serving an inspiration to other aspiring boxers and athletes.
“Pacquiao’s victory provides a shining testimony to aspiring Filipino boxers and athletes and that discipline, hard work and uncompromising spirit can empower every Filipino to achieve their best goals and their noblest dreams,” he said. (DBP/Sunnex)
