Filipino world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao was given a hero?s welcome during a motorcade around Manila and Quezon cities yesterday, hours after he arrived from Los Angeles, California.
Pacquiao also dodged some controversy as he defended those politicians who were in Las Vegas, Nevada to watch him beat Mexican Erik Morales in the 12-round rematch last Jan. 22.
In a press conference at the Manila City Hall, he said the people should not give political color to the support given to him by First Gentleman Jose Miguel ?Mike? Arroyo and Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis ?Chavit? Singson.
Arroyo and Singson were seen with him at the ringside of the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas when he stopped Morales in the 10th round.
Observers said the event was marred by politicians who tried to bask in the limelight of Pacquiao?s victory.
?Naniniwala po ako na ang pagpunta nila sa Las Vegas ay di para sa pulitika kundi pagsuporta sa kanilang kababayan (I believe that their trip to Las Vegas was not for political reasons but to show their support for a countryman,? he said.
When asked to comment on reports that he is being eyed by Malaca?ang to be the endorser for Charter change, Pacquiao said, ?Sports na lang ang pag-usapan natin (Let?s just talk about sports).?
?Para sa bayan?
?Kahit ano, basta para sa bayan, kung saan ako makaka-tulong, handa ako. Proud akong maging Filipino. Excited akong makamayan ang mga tao (Anything goes, as long as it?s for the country where I can be of help, I?m ready. I am proud to be a Filipino. I?m excited to be with the people),? he also said.
After the press conference, Pacquiao and his entourage proceeded to Malaca?ang for a courtesy call-cum-breakfast with President Arroyo.
Pacquiao?s victory over the more fancied Morales came as a much-needed morale booster for his countrymen following months of political conflict that saw mounting calls for Arroyo to resign over allegations that she cheated to win the 2004 election.
Feuding political factions briefly put aside their differences as Filipinos rejoiced over Pacquiao?s triumph.
In a brief speech after meeting Arroyo, Pacquiao called for continued unity and cooperation among Filipinos whether he has a scheduled fight or not.
Pacquiao, 27, was greeted with the songs ?Pinoy Ako? by Orange and Lemons and his single ?Para sa Iyo (Laban na Ito)?.
?Sa inyong lahat siyempre, maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Sana lagi kayong magkakaisa, may laban o wala.
Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat (To all of you, thank you very much. I hope we can all unite, whether or not I have a fight. Thank you very much),? he said amid the cheers and clapping of the Palace employees that came out to greet him.
Pacquiao Day
The President, in greeting Pacquiao congratulated him and said, ?Today is Pacquiao Day.?
The boxing champion was accompanied by his wife Jinky, parents Rosalio and Dionisia, the Pacquiao team?Wilson Tieng, William Tieng, Buboy Fernandez, Wakee Salud, Jayke Joson and Jimrex Jaca and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza Jr.
It was the first reunion for Pacquiao?s parents, who have been estranged for 15 years.
During his talk with Arroyo, Pacquiao talked about his desire to help his fellow boxers, particularly former champions who are now down on their luck like Rolando Navarete.
Pacquiao committed to extend financial assistance while the President vowed to help provide livelihood and skills training for them.
Arroyo, Pacquiao and the rest of the party later posed in ?boxing posture? before leaving for a ticker tape parade along Manila and Quezon City.
Pacquiao and wife Jinky arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 103 at 5 a.m.
From the airport, Pacquiao?s party proceeded to the Hyatt Hotel along Roxas Blvd. in Manila where his family were billeted for a few hours? rest before a scheduled courtesy call at the Manila City Hall and Malaca?ang. (Sunnex/AP)
