SEVERAL lawmakers have reportedly left for Las Vegas to watch the Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales blockbuster return bout tomorrow, even as an opposition solon appealed to Malaca?ang not to use a Pacman victory to prop the administration’s “sagging” popularity.
The bout will be shown Sunday live in the Philippines by satellite. House sources said the lawmakers — including Representatives Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo (Lakas, Pampanga) and Ignacio Arroyo (KAMPI, Negros Occidental) — are already in the United States for the fight on Sunday.
“But in fairness to them, they could be spending their own money for the trip,” according to sources at the House committee on accounts which — along with Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. — signs Last year, several congressmen were believed to have gone on an official travel to the U.S. with a side trip to Las Vegas to watch the first Pacquiao-Morales fight.
the approval of the official travel of congressmen.
Last year, several congressmen were believed to have gone on an official travel to the U.S. with a side trip to Las Vegas to watch the first Pacquiao-Morales fight.
Confident that Pacquiao will win, Rep. Imelda “Imee” Marcos yesterday appealed to Malaca?ang not to use the victory to earn “pogi points” for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“I hope Malaca?ang will also pray sincerely for Pacquiao’s victory,” she said, apprehensive that the Filipino boxer’s victory over Morales, who beat him by unanimous decision last year, will be used to boost the “sagging image” of President Arroyo.
Marcos claimed that this early, Malaca?ang is already planning on how to use Pacquiao in a propaganda campaign for the President, a move that could serve as a “curse” for the boxer.
“It could be cause for his defeat, God forbid,” she said.
“What Malaca?ang should do is to pray with the Filipino people for Manny’s victory. But I am confident that he will easily beat Morales,” Marcos added.
Meanwhile, Manila Representatives Ernesto “Banzai” Nieva and Joey Hizon said they, too, are confident that the Filipino boxer will win over Morales despite his being an underdog.
“Pacquiao is fighting not only for himself but for the honor of the whole country. He knows that the Filipinos are praying that he wins and he will not surely disappoint his countrymen,” according to Nieva.
The solon wanted to watch the fight personally but he does not have enough money for the plane fare and accommodation while in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the fight will be staged at the Thomas and Mack Center.
He and Hizon said the Philippines, particularly Manila, is eagerly awaiting the fight, knowing that Pacquiao will “emerge the winner.”
“Like other Filipinos, I am praying that he wins. I am confident he will win,” added Nieva.
