The No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, says Friday’s recognition of the President of the Philippines outside the Malaca?ang palace is unusual.
Pacquiao said he was used to be called in the Palace where President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo hands the recognition award.
Arroyo replied that before only a few can participate in the awarding due to the exclusivity of the place in Malaca?ang but this time, “thousands can witness the prestigous award that would attest your excellence for the Philippines.”
Friday, after boxing sensation Pacquiao arrived in Manila, he receives the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Katangiang Ginto) award and hailed as special envoy for peace and understanding.
Pacquiao is named “champion for life” during his past victories. This time, Arroyo said, the administration was thinking of a higher award than the champion for life, which is also in-line with the constitution.
Arroyo added that Pacquiao’s seventh title deserves a special celebration that is why the awarding ceremony was done in Quirino Grandstand, Luneta. She said the award is by the law and its people.
“When you (Manny) win, you offer it to the Filipino people and with this award, the people give this to you,” says Arroyo to Pacquiao.(Sunnex)
