FOR the first time since the state visit of US president George W. Bush last month, the Malaca?ang Palace burst into a festive atmosphere yesterday as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo formally conveyed her congratulations to Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao, whom the country?s Chief Executive bestowed upon the Presidential Medal of Merit.
The former bakery worker from General Santos City also receives P1 million (US$18,800) from Arroyo and a posh condominium unit from Manila City courtesy of Mayor Lito Atienza as a gesture of their appreciation for Pacquiao?s stunning conquest of Mexican featherweight great Marco Antonio Barrera.
?That?s a nice gift for Manny kasi gumagastos kami ng mga P24,000 a month everytime na nandito siya sa Maynila,? revealed Rod Nazario, Pacquiao?s business manager.
