MANILA, Philippines ? The House of Representatives is preparing to roll out the red carpet for the return of boxing champion and Saranggani Representative Manny Pacquiao to the chamber on Monday.
Pacquiao is expected to report to work following his victory over Mexican Antonio Margarito in Arlington, Texas that earned him his eighth boxing title.
He is expected to return to the country on Saturday.
No less than his colleagues are pooling their resources to raise funds for a ?hero?s welcome? for Pacquiao, according to An Waray Representative Florencio ?Bem? Noel.
Noel, who also heads the committee on accounts, said that each of the 280 House members have pledged at least P1,000 each for the food, decoration, band and other resources needed for Monday?s festivities.
Pacquiao will be conferred with his second Congressional Medal of Distinction in plenary.
?Everyone is participating and everybody is contributing in their own little way to pay tribute to the greatness of Pacquiao,? Noel said.
After the ceremonies at the plenary, festivities will continue with at the rear entrance of the session hall where a band will be set up to provide live music. Pacquiao, who also sings, is expected to belt out few songs.
Noel also said that packed meals courtesy of a Filipino-owned fast food chain will be distributed to the 3,800 House officials and employees.
Members of the media also got an advisory Pacquiao may also hold a news conference in the press center.
On Monday, the House approved 20 resolutions commending Pacquiao for his victory and hailing him as one of the world?s greatest boxers.
The resolutions included the one filed by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales and Minority Leader Edcel Lagman conferring to him the Congressional Medal of Distinction.
During the time of former Speaker Jose de Venecia III, the House also conferred Pacquiao the congressional medal of achievement.
