GENERAL SANTOS City: Thousands of his town mates lined major thoroughfares for the motorcade that followed the arrival of the newly crowned World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion Manny Pacquiao at 9 a.m. Monday as the latter waves with pride atop a city-government vehicle on a motorcade down to the heart of the city shortly after he arrived at 9 a.m.
Top local officials headed by Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio, Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. and Malungon town Mayor Reynaldo Constantino met the Filipino ring champion at the Gensan International Airport, in a grand homecoming.
The motorcade ended at the Oval Plaza Covered Court where a huge crowd of Pacman fans and members of media waited for a scheduled press conference before Pacquiao and his security convoy proceeded to his residence. Later in the evening, the city hosted a victory party at the City Country Homes Hotel and Restaurant.
?My victory is your victory too,? declared Pacquiao to the delight of the crowd at the covered court, while he was seated Acharon and Custodio. He also gave his assurance that he has no intentions of running for any political position in the city in the 2010 elections, denying speculations that his good deeds for Malungon is preparation for the coming elections.
The crowd screamed and applauded even more when Pacquiao underscored that his main concern presently was his career in boxing and his plan to continue with his studies. He said his political objectives would have to wait until after he retires, although he did say when intends to stop fighting in the ring. He added that he would be investing more on business, not just for his family but his town mates as well who are in dire need of employment.
Pacman also extended his gratitude to Custodio, his closest political rival during the 2007 elections, for sponsoring a free widescreen live telecast of his recent fight
