Braving strong rains, boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao paid a courtesy call yesterday on Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando and offered his help to the agency.
The former world champion, who is set to leave for Los Angeles for his September 10 fight with Mexican boxer Hector Velazquez, arrived at the MMDA office at 11 a.m., briefly interrupting Fernando’s meeting with his directors.
“He could be our image model,” Fernando said as he toyed with the idea of tapping Pacquiao’s popularity to improve the image of the MMDA.
Fernando appeared ecstatic at the thought of securing the services of the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion in elevating the awareness of Metro Manila residents on the various traffic projects of the MMDA.
“Win or lose, I promise him that I’ll be at the airport to welcome his return to the Philippines after his fight,” Fernando said.
Saying politics is not involved in his visit, Pacquiao said he visited the MMDA to seek assistance for his foundation. “I want to help the less fortunate children in my own little ways. This is where the MMDA can come in and be of big help to my own project,” Pacquiao said.
In a token of appreciation for the MMDA chief, Pacquiao said he has reserved a ringside ticket for Fernando for his Velazquez fight on Sept. 10, which is being drummed up as a preparatory fight for his much-awaited rematch with Mexican featherweight champion Erik Morales.
“One day we might ask him to wear a traffic enforcer’s uniform, put him in the middle of the road and let him direct the flow of traffic,” Fernando said. “Siguradong titino ang mga motorista.”
“This may be a good idea: Pacquiao with gloves lecturing an abusive driver in the street,” the MMDA chief said with a chuckle.
