MANILA, Philippines — World Boxing Champion Manny Pacquiao should be a means to unite — not disunite — the country, Senator Francis Escudero said Thursday.
At the Kapihan sa Senado, Escudero advised Pacquiao not to delve into politics too much.
?It cannot be denied that whenever Pacquiao fights, the entire country — administration or opposition, red, black, or yellow, left or right — all want to see Pacquiao win,? said Escudero.
?He is one of the few things that unite the country. I hope that not much politics will go into his fights, his victories, and his wins; that the only thing that unites us as a people will not be a subject of debate and tainted with the color of politics,? the senator said in Filipino.
Pacquiao allegedly refused the people?s welcome prepared by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim although the boxer clarified in an interview after his arrival early Thursday that the invitation came a bit late and that commitments have been made.
During the time of Lim?s predecessor Lito Atienza, Pacquiao would hold a motorcade in Manila after his arrival from a fight abroad.
But instead of holding one Thursday, Pacquiao paid a courtesy call to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malaca?ang and to Atienza, now environment secretary, at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Escudero said Pacquiao, who had just come home from a victorious bout against Mexican boxer Marco Antonio Barrera, should realize that he was a ?source of unity.?
?He should realize his great role and golden opportunity to serve as road and sign for unity. If we can unite on this, our job is only to expand other opportunities for unity,? he said.
