Malaca?ang said it favors the observance of a “one-day political ceasefire” with administration critics as the country watches Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao slug it out in a rematch with Mexican champ Juan Manuel Marquez Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“As a Filipino, I can only say Manny is [our] rallying point, the symbol of Filipino courage. The Philippines is known worldwide because of Pacquiao,” said Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.
Ermita, himself a sportsman, wished Pacquiao good luck for the challenge of claiming the WBC super featherweight belt from the Mexican, whom he first met in the ring in May 2004. The fight ended in a draw.
“In behalf of the Filipino people, good luck. We know you’re prepared,” Ermita said three days before the fight that will be aired Sunday morning in Manila.
The official also predicted that the fight will end favorably, of course, for Pacquiao. “End the fight in Round Eight.”
He also called on Filipinos to pray for the “People’s Champion,” whom he described as the “symbol of Filipino courage.”
Earlier, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said it would be a “very special day” for the Filipinos, expecting to have less traffic and even lower crime rates as everyone watches the boxing match.
“Let’s pray for our fellow countryman. We believe he’s ready to face this fight. Let us hope for the best and whatever the result, we know that Manny Pacquiao prepared very hard for this and I’m sure he will fight in a way that will make all Filipino very proud of him,” he said.
The Philippine National Police, meanwhile, said it expects that the crime rate on Sunday will be low or even reach the “zero-level” when Pacquiao faces Marquez.
Senior Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, PNP spokesman, said this was the trend whenever the prized boxer has a match here or abroad.
Bartolome said that majority of Filipinos usually tune in to Pacquiao’s fights instead of doing other things.
