WORLD boxing champion Manny “the Pacman” Pacquiao defended the politicians who watched his fight in Las Vegas last January 22. “Naniniwala po ako na ang pagpunta nila sa Las Vegas ay di para sa pulitika kundi pagsuporta sa kanilang kababayan [I believe they went there not for politics but to show support for a countryman],” Pacquiao said at the Manila City Hall where he held his first formal press conference after arriving earlier Friday.
Pacquiao refused to talk about politics, especially when he was asked to react to reports that he would be used by Malaca?ang to help promote Charter change.
“Sports na lang po muna ang pag-usapan natin [Let’s talk about sports first],” he said.
Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza said they would have wanted to hold a motorcade all over Metro Manila for Pacquiao fans but that this was not possible.
“Wala tayong sapat na panahon at pagod na ang ating kampyon [There is not just enough time and our champion is exhausted],” Atienza said.
Other Metro Manila mayors, particularly Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, were questioning why Makati was not included as one of the routes for Pacquiao’s parade.
Pacquiao, also known as the “People’s Champion,” knocked out Mexican legend Erik Morales on the 10th round of their fight in Las Vegas last week.
