President Arroyo yesterday joined the throng of well-wishers to super featherweight contender Manny Pacquiao in his 12-round non-title bout with Mexican brawler Hector Velazquez at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, California today.
In an official press statement, the President said she would be praying with the entire nation for Pacquiao’s success in the match dubbed “Double Trouble” that would be seen live on nationwide television.
“Dalangin ko at ng sambayanang Pilipino ang tagumpay mo, Manny (I pray with the entire Filipino people for your victory, Manny),” she said in the vernacular.
A victory by Pacquiao would set him up for a megabuck return bout with another Mexican, Eric “El Terrible” Morales, who narrowly beat him in their first meeting six months ago in Las Vegas.
Morales himself will face American Zahir Raheem in the same card in what ring experts say is a double whammy of a boxing event at the Staples Center.
Pacquiao and Arroyo have always been supportive of each other in their respective careers. He campaigned for Mrs. Arroyo in last year’s election. Due to his boxing successes, he has been named by the President as one of this year’s outstanding young men.
The President, who has surprisingly become a boxing fanatic, described Pacquiao as an inspiration to the youth and a good example of what the Filipino can do on the world stage.
“Sa iyong laban bukas, kakampi mo ang buong bansa na taos-pusong naniniwala sa iyong kakayahan (The whole country will be behind you in your fight tomorrow as we believe in your skill and talent),” she said.
Metro Manila councilors congratulate Arroyo on her resolve
The Metro Manila (Philippines) Councilors League, headed by Manila Councilor Edward M. Tan, has sent a congratulatory message to President Arroyo for her “resolve and exceptional equanimity in the face of the political crisis that has gripped government and our nation in the last three months.”
In his letter to the President, Tan said: “Congratulations for standing firm and unyielding like the generals of old, amidst a most grueling battle that could have brought about the end of democracy in our country.”
Tan reiterated that the MMPCL will continue to stay in the line with the President for the common objective of rebuilding and strengthening the democratic foundations of the Republic.
It maybe recalled that at the height of political crisis, the MMPCL expressed its support to the President’s stand to abide by the rule of law and the Constitution in connection with the charges of the opposition against her.
