The jubilation that boxing hero Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has brought to the nation after winning his ring match over Mexican legend Erik Morales immediately turned into disappointment after seeing the Filipino champion with controversial political figures such as First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo and former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson.
House Minority Floor Leader Francis Escudero, during a press briefing, yesterday expressed belief that most Filipinos were furious when Mike Arroyo and Singson stole the delight they have been enjoying the moment Pacquiao was formally declared the winner after beating Morales.
The booing was loud with the entry of Mrs. Arroyo.
“I’m sure the Filipinos’ moment of pleasure over the victory of Pacquaio suddenly faded
when they saw the First Gentleman and Singson, the lawmaker said in Filipino.
Other opposition congressmen shared Escudero’s observation, saying Pacquiao’s victory was ruined not only by Mr. Arroyo and Singson, but also with the call made by President Arroyo.
“It’s truly a shame that Pacquiao’s victory would be so easily spoiled by the presence of so many self-interests, starting with the First Family,” Bayan Muna Rep. Joel Virador noted.
As the 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. The audience booed the two.
In another incident, Mr. Arroyo was seen handing over a cellular phone to Pacquiao, and stating that the person on the other line was Mrs. Arroyo.
Escudero said those who watched the fight in cinemas booed the First Gentleman and other politicians.
Rep. Joel Villanueva said he himself witnessed how the people yelled and heckled at Mr. Arroyo and Singson when they saw them on the screen.
San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, for his part, hailed the victory of Pacquiao but slammed the “insensitivity” of the First Gentleman and the President’s political allies in spending millions of dollars to attend the Las Vegas bout while “millions of their countrymen starve.”
“I join the nation in hailing the victory of Pacquiao in Las Vegas as a demonstration of the Filipinos’ physical prowess and self-discipline, but I bewail the insensitivity and cheap gimmickry of the Arroyo administration in exploiting the fight for publicity and in spending millions of dollars for their cronies who attended the fight while millions of our countrymen starve,” Ejercito, in a statement, said.
“All of us were happy over Manny’s success in his bid to be recognized as one of the world’s greatest boxers, but with the prevailing economic crisis in our country, with millions of our countrymen hungry and having a hard time merely surviving, it is insensitive and downright obscene for our government officials led by the First Gentleman to fly to Las Vegas and spend dollars lavishly just to watch the fight ringside,” he added.
Also, a staunch ally of the President in the Senate said Mrs. Arroyo found a face-saver in Pacquiao when the boxing champion’s latest international success overshadowed the current political turmoil she is facing.
According to Sen. Joker Arroyo, the Pacquiao euphoria, just like the recently concluded Southeast Asian (SEA) Games hosted by the country last December, served as her saving grace, preventing the controversies hounding her from eliciting another round of public agitation.
“Only the simple and spiritual Pacquiao, not by our leaders, can unite the country at this moment. Perhaps he can be appointed by the President as a member of the Council,” the lawmaker said in chiding the Palace for coming up with coup talks over the weekend.
“So we can really say that luck is on her side,” he told reporters.
But Malaca?ang also yesterday defended the First Couple’s “scene-stealing acts. “
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye stressed the call made by Mrs. Arroyo to Pacquiao while in front of the media was “significant.”
“People have their own views about that. Manny appreciated the call of the President. Manny considered it as a significant call,” he added.
The Palace spokesman denied the First Couple are injecting politics in the victory of Pacquiao.
“Politics is not involved here. As I’ve said, that’s their (critics) view but it does not mean that’s the truth,” Bunye stressed.
Outgoing Environment Secretary Michael Defensor echoed Bunye’s statement.
“Let us not put malice to what the First Gentleman did because this is not the first time that he personally rooted for Pacquiao. He is a big supporter of Philippine sports and we must appreciate that,” he said. Dona Policar, Angie M. Rosales and Sherwin C. Olaes
