As Manila and Quezon City celebrated the return of Manny Pacquiao with a parade around their streets, Makati City was sulking over why the boxing champ?s motorcade skipped a traditional hero?s parade along Ayala Avenue.
Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay blamed the Palace for having deprived Makati residents, executives, and employees the chance to honor Pacquiao with a ticker tape parade along Ayala Ave.
Binay cited that as early as Tuesday the city government has been receiving inquiries from leading corporations on how they could participate in welcoming Pac-quiao.
“Makati?s private sector, the biggest names in Philippine business, was ready at a moment?s notice to participate in this momentous event,” he said.
The mayor recounted that the city had honored Pacquiao by holding ticker tape parade along Ayala Ave. after winning over Marco Antonio Barrera on November 2003.
He explained that Ayala Ave. has been the traditional venue for ticker tape parades.
Last year, Ms. International Precious Lara Quigaman and Filipino athletes who participated in the SEA Games were honored with confetti and cheering crowds while they paraded through Makati?s financial center.
However, Binay reiterated that apparently politics had a hand in deciding Pacquiao?s itinerary.
“Manny Pacquiao deserves a welcome fit for a world-class and honorable Filipino, and it would not be complete without a parade along Ayala Avenue. He was, however, hijacked by Malaca?ang,” Binay said.
Binay is a known critic of the President, having led rallies and other demonstrations calling for her ouster.
Malaca?ang could not be contacted for comment.
But the Manila and Quezon parade was organized by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza who takes pride in having Pacquiao as an adopted son of the city.
Manila also gave Pacquiao a parade when he lost to Erik Morales last March.
