In past homecomings, hundreds of people would line the streets of Manila to celebrate the return of Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao.
Fans both young and old would trek long distances to catch a glimpse of the country's most famous boxing icon whose nickname "Ang Pambansang Kamao (The National Fist)" perfectly sums up his hold on the nation's psyche.
On Thursday, however, Pacquiao skipped a hero's welcome in the nation's capital, opting instead to make an appearance in the main office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources where his political benefactor, Environment Secretary Jose Atienza Jr., holds office.
Fresh from his victory over Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera in Las Vegas, Pacquiao arrived around 5:30 a.m. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where he and his wife were welcomed by their children, Atienza and his supporters.
From the airport, he went to the New World Renaissance Hotel in Makati before going to the DENR office in Quezon City.
A radio DZMM report said a presidential suite was reserved at the Manila Hotel for Pacquiao but hotel officials had not been informed about the boxer’s decision to forego his Manila visit.
Considered an “adopted son†of Manila, Pacquiao said he did not talk to any Manila City Hall official about the local government's plans for his return.
“Wala naman silang tinawag sa akin. So, walang tumawag sa akin. Walang nakipag-coordinate sa akin (Nobody called me. They didn’t coordinate with me),†said Pacquiao, adding that he is open to visit Manila if he is invited but after his other commitments.
Earlier, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim canceled a a planned hero’s welcome for the boxer reportedly because of his "prior commitment."
Lim said his staff received a text message from Eric Pineda, Pacquiao’s business manager, saying that the WBC international super featherweight champ could not attend the proposed motorcade and program being prepared for him in Manila.
The Manila mayor said he had ordered the same warm welcome and motorcade for Pacquiao if the champ had accepted his invitation. "I respect Manny's decision. He's the champion after all," he said.
Atienza defended Pacquiao, noting that he always gives a party for the General Santos native after his fights.
The former Manila mayor said he will hold the party at the DENR because he can no longer do so at the Manila City Hall.
“Kung sa city hall ako magbibigay ng reception e di papasukan ng intriga. Alam ko dapat magko-coordinate sila kay Manny. The point is dapat nagko-coordinate kapag ganyan di ba? (If we give a reception at the city hall, intrigues might surface. They should have coordinated with Manny. The point is they should have coordinated these things, right?),†Atienza said.
Atienza said he and Pacquiao’s camp will go to Malacañang for a courtesy call on President Arroyo.
Pacquiao said he will start focusing on his showbiz career while waiting for his next fight in 2008.
Among the list of possible challengers are David Diaz, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight titleholder, WBC featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez and Dominican Republic pugilist Joan Guzman.
abs-cbnnews.com
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=5592.0
Topic: Pacquiao Homecoming Marred by Politics (Read 1495 times)