Politics again tainted the achievement of Filipino boxing hero Manny ?Pacman? Pacquiao from the moment his flight from Los Angeles landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) before dawn yesterday.
Several political figures belonging to the ruling administration party beat the crowd of well-wishers in greeting the 27-year-old ring champion as he entered the NAIA Terminal 2 before 6 a.m.
Among the political figures who tried to share in the limelight by acting as Pacquiao?s ?bodyguards? were former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis ?Chavit? Singson and Manila Mayor Joselito Atienza.
It was learned that Singson and other administration politicians, along with their respective bodyguards, reportedly denied well-wishers who trooped to the NAIA-2 as early as 3:30 a.m. even a glimpse of Pacquiao coming out of the airport.
The Filipino pugilist, who won his fight against Erik Morales in a non-title bout, however, managed to greet some of the well-wishers while on his way out of the airport terminal.
Not even the route of Pacquiao?s victory motorcade in the morning was spared from politics as it included only Manila and Quezon City, whose mayors are staunch allies and known supporters of President Arroyo.
It was noticeable that Makati City, where country?s athletes in last year?s Southeast Asian Games made a stop for their victory parade, was not included in the motorcade route.
While observers claimed it is the duty of Manila officials to assist Pacquaio because he is an ?adopted son of Manila,? they however, expressed dismayed that the organizers chose Quezon City, instead of Makati City, in the victory parade.
?Is it because of party affiliation?? one of the well-wishers asked.
Quezon City Feliciano Belmonte is a member of the administration Lakas party while Makati City Jejomar Binay
belongs to the opposition, calling for the ouster of Mrs. Arroyo for her alleged involvement in maneuvering the May 2004 elections in her favor and massive graft and corruption in her administration.
In Malaca?ang, Mrs. Arroyo also yesterday virtually stole the limelight from Pacquiao who went to the Palace for a courtesy call when the President sang and danced as if she was having a mini-concert which shocked the crowd.
It was believed that this was resorted to as another propaganda ploy by the ?spin doctors? of Malaca?ang apparently to save Mrs. Arroyo?s plunging popularity ratings.
The President sang two songs, one with Pacquiao?s ?Para Sa Iyo (Ang Laban na ?to)? and next was with singer Sarah Geronimo to the tune of ?Pinoy Ako.?
First Gentleman Jose Miguel ?Mike? Arroyo was a ?no show? during the event.
Malaca?ang officials who paraded themselves in welcoming Pacquiao around 9:30 a.m include Vice President Noli de Castro, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and incoming Presidential Chief of Staff Michael ?Mike? Defensor.
In a brief talk with Mrs. Arroyo, Pacquiao made mention of his intention to establish a foundation that would help the country?s former boxing champions.
?I hope we will continue to unite with or without a fight,? Pacquiao, in his message to the Filipino people, said.
Mrs. Arroyo gifted Pacquiao with glove-shaped pieces of bread as a token of appreciation for the glory and pride that the Filipino champ has brought to the country.
Meanwhile, opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson also yesterday urged Pacquiao not to allow himself to be used as a tool by the Arroyo administration to help campaign for Charter change (Cha-cha.)
Lacson made the call as reports reaching him alleged that Pacquiao is being eyed by some groups, aligned with Malaca?ang and proponents of the move to amend the 1987 Constitution, to be tapped by the Executive in having Cha-cha advance before the public.
Given his unquestionable popularity at the moment, they believe that Pacquaio has better convincing powers than politicians, the senator said.
Lacson, during a radio interview, advised the boxer not to engage in politics.
He said Pacquiao should first study the matter carefully before joining the administration on Cha-cha.
?He should clarify whether he will indeed embark on a campaign, and whether it?s about Cha-cha or parliamentary form of government. It must be determined if he has studied thoroughly what he would be campaigning for,? the lawmaker added.
Lacson warned those groups toying with this idea not to preempt Pacquiao as there is as yet no confirmation from him on this issue.
Just the same, if this would be the case, Lacson said the public should decide whether they would approve of Pacquiao being at the forefront of the Cha-cha. Jun P. Yap, Conrado Ching, Sherwin C. Olaes and Angie M. Rosales
