MANILA, Philippines – House Speaker Sonny Belmonte defended on Thursday congressmen who will watch Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao’s fight against undefeated boxer Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
Belmonte said 2 congressmen told him they will watch the fight, while about 25 others informed him they will be travelling to the US about the same time as the fight.
He could not recall the identities of the congressmen except for Manila. Rep Amado Bagatsing.
He said there is nothing wrong with the trip since the congressmen are paying out of their own pockets. He is also thankful since thay are giving Pacquiao moral support.
Belmonte said he will not be in the US because he has work here.
Yacap party Rep. Carol Lopez, a good friend of Pacquiao, earlier said some 40 congressmen have made ticket reservations to watch the Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas.
“I really don’t know how many will be watching this time. More or less daw. But I don?t have exact figures or names. Based on ticket reservation sa staff ni MP,” Lopez said.
She said she would not be watching the fight due to prior commitments.
“Prior commitments and no close friends are watching either. Wala na akong kasama,” she said.
No travel authority is needed for the fight scheduled on Sunday since Congress adjourns its second regular session, sine die, this week.
