THE classic fight between Manny “Pacman” Pacquaio and Erik “El Terible” Morales for the super featherweight title in Las Vegas could have aborted the reported coup jitters being planned over the weekend.
But Palace officials insisted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police remain loyal to the chain of command and the Constitution.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye stressed that the military is solid in their support to the Arroyo regime even as the Filipino people have already rejected the political harangues.
“Coups have been ruled by a professionally loyal armed forces and military adventurism,” Bunye said.
Obviously, the political bickering took a back seat over the weekend to give way to the much awaited Pacquiao-Morales fight which manifested what President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo described as the “indomitable fighting spirit.”
Activities stopped at the Palace affecting even informed men of the Presidential Security Guard — without letting their guards down — as they glued their eyes to the TV sets for a glimpse of the modern hero.
In fact, the hours took a standstill as everyone stayed in their homes, Akyat Bahay gangs, suspected criminals, even taxi and jeepney drivers watched at nearby sari-sari stores and carinderias to witness the triumph that is of Pacquiao and of the Filipino race.
The streets leading to the Palace and elsewhere in the metropolis appeared rather deserted as if it was Black Friday.
But soon enough, the great anticipation and excitement unfolded into Red letter day and one big victory for the struggle for excellence of the Filipino people plagued continuously with political bickering and turmoil, blunt mudslinging and maddening intrigues.
