Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao yesterday again turned poster boy for the government when he appealed to all political camps to end the unproductive bickering and rally behind President Arroyo.
Pacquiao professed his full support for the President during a courtesy call in Malaca?ang before his scheduled departure for the United States to prepare for his fight against Mexican Hector Velasquez on Sept. 10.
The President thanked Pacquiao for his support and wished him a swift knockout victory in his upcoming boxing match in Los Angeles, California.
The two even posed for pictures, with the President raising Pacquiao’s hand.
In an interview with reporters, Pacquiao said he remains confident in the ability of the President to run the country despite an impeachment complaint against her and mounting pressure for her resignation on allegations of election fraud.
“Buo ang tiwala ko sa kanyang kakayahan. Mabait naman si Ma’am, hindi lang nila alam yun. Noon pa kilala ko na siya. Kung ano ang magagawa ko, tutulong ako,” he said. “Ang suporta ko kay Presidente hindi pa rin nagbabago simula noon hanggang ngayon,” he added.
Pacquiao also called on the country’s leaders to put an end to their political squabbling.
“Huwag kayong away nang away. Alisin na ang galit at suportahan na lang ang laban ko sa September 10,” he remarked.
The boxer recently joined the pro-government rally in Luneta last July 16 to demonstrate his loyalty to the President.
Pacquiao will leave tomorrow for Los Angeles, California to begin training at the Wild Card Gym.
Last March, Pacquiao lost to Erik Morales of Mexico in a Las Vegas match but still drew a hero’s welcome in Manila.
The President commended him for his courage and never-say-die spirit when he completed the Las Vegas bout despite a cut on his right eye. She even approved the proposal of Pacquiao to establish a retirement fund for former Filipino champion boxers.
The controversial boxing match also drew public attention when First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and some 30 congressmen flew to Las Vegas to cheer him.
At that time, the Palace posed no objections over the reports that some lawmakers watched Pacquiao-Morales match in the US as long as no government funds were used. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
