Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao said Saturday that nobody is using him for political reasons and that everything he has said comes from his heart.
The opposition charged that Pacquiao was allowing himself to be used by President Arroyo and her supporters by repeatedly thanking them for their support and by his call for national unity and for a stop to political wrangling.
Pacquiao denied on the radio program of Vice President Noli de Castro that he was unwittingly allowing himself to be used by the President.
“Nobody told me to say that there should be national unity even when there is no boxing. That statement came from my heart,” he said on the Boses ng Bayan program of de Castro, aired over DZMM.
Every Filipino applauded Pacquiao for crushing the Mexican Erik Morales in their second meeting at Las Vegas on January 22. It was the first time Morales hit the canvas. The opposition jeered, however, when only known supporters of the President were given prominence in the welcome celebration for Pacquiao.
Pacquiao stressed that he has no interest in politics and that nobody can dictate what he says about the nation, except his heart.
He said his call for national unity stems from his love of country, and that he would say the same thing any day, regardless of who is the president.
“I love the Philippines. I am even willing to sacrifice my life for the greater glory of my country,” he said.
Pacquiao’s victory parade on Friday took him to the main streets of Manila and Quezon City, cheered by thousands of fans who lined the route.
In his previous parade, Makati was included because its main street, Ayala Avenue, was ideal for the raining of confetti from its tall buildings. Moreover, Mayor Jejomar Binay of Makati is head of the United Opposition that is clamoring for the President’s resignation.
Mayor Lito Atienza of Manila dismissed charges that politics played a part in determining the route of the parade.
“There was just no time,” Atienza said.
Pacquiao sounded tired during the radio interview. After the parade, he went to the Rajah Sulaiman plaza in Manila for another round of celebration and stayed there until 11 p.m.
He was tired from the long trip from the US to Manila and the long parade, but agreed to go to the Rajah Sulaiman program just the same.
“My fans were expecting me there and I did not want to disappoint them,” Pacquiao said.
He not only appeared there but sang some songs.
“I will rest for about two weeks before I resume my training by jogging,” he said.
His contract with Morales calls for a third match, but it is still uncertain if Morales is willing to fight him again.
