“You have the legitimate crown that political pretenders, especially those who are now in Malaca?ang, don’t have. Avoid being used for their publicity stunt.”
This unsolicited advice came yesterday from the militant group Sanlakas which criticized administration leaders and President Arroyo for making a free ride on Manny Pacquiao’s shining victory over Mexican boxer Erik “El Terrible” Morales in Las Vegas.
According to Sanlakas, the appearance on stage of First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo and other politicians after the knockout round by Pacquiao over Morales disgusted many Filipinos, more so when they heard the “Hello Manny” conversation between Pacquiao and Mrs. Arroyo.
The group also scooped at the plan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to make Pacquiao a uniting figure in the now fractious military by organizing a tour of the boxing hero to different military camps in the country, saying the plan is merely a publicity stunt rather than a sincere effort to address the growing restiveness and defiance among the young officers in the Armed Forces.
Sanlakas president Wilson Fortaleza said there is nothing wrong for anybody to share the national euphoria over the victory of Pacquiao.
But to make use of the occasion to score some limelight and “pogi” points, and worse, to plan the life of Pacquiao for their political agenda is completely appalling and deplorable.
“Pacquiao is a national pride whereas the Arroyo administration, the worn-out politicians and the corrupt officials in the Armed Forces are a national shame. Thus, making Pacquiao their icon to promote unity is highly improper,” Fortaleza said.
“Manny is now a national treasure and everybody should look at him as that and not as a ramp model for the First Gentleman and his wife,” Fortaleza added.
The best thing for Pacquiao to do now, Fortaleza said, “is to go back to his roots, share his victory and pride with the masses of General Santos City and Mindanao and be the symbol of Filipino’s undying quest for national pride and a better future.”
