?Politics won?t benefit from Pacquiao?s win?
By Alex P. Vidal
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 17 Mar 2008
LAS VEGAS ? While Manny Pacquiao was being given accolades inside the ring after grabbing the WBC 130-lb crown on a hairline decision win over Juan Manuel Marquez, I took the opportunity to leave my assigned seat as accredited reporter (credentials number SEC 002 Row E#06) to hobnob with several VIPs and showbiz personalities from the Philippines, and this was what they said when sought for their comments:
?Sana naman they should not equate Manny Pacquiao?s victory with politics. Iba yong political turbulence sa Pilipinas, iba naman ang panalo ni Pacquiao. Walang kinalaman ito sa politics and politics will not benefit from Pacquiao?s win,? said Helen Gamboa, wife of former senator Vicente ?Tito? III and mother of ?Unfinished Business? Philippine national anthem singer, Ciara.
?Yes, definitely. Manny Pacquiao?s victory is expected to change for the better the political climate in our country today as the entire nation is watching the fight and praying that Pacquiao will win for the sake of national unity,? said House Speaker Prospero Nograles.
?I really expected Pacquiao to win even if (Juan Manuel) Marquez came out very strong. Medyo worried lang ako when it reached the full 12 rounds but I had no doubt in my mind that he won. I see his win as something that can help unite our nation,? said Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Joselito Atienza, Pacquiao?s foster father.
?There was no doubt that Manny Pacquiao won. His punches were tremendous and they landed very well enough to give Manny a clear victory,? said composer-singer Lito Camo.
?Muntik na akong mapa iyak sa saya. Lumulundag nga ako eh. I was very happy to be given the chance to sing the national anthem for our country. I hope that Kuya Manny?s victory will translate into many positive things for our country,? said Ciara Sotto.
When he saw promoter Rex ?Wakee? Salud coming out from the event center, Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella embraced the Cebuano hefty and yelled, ?Panalo na naman tayo!?
Puentevella?s fellow Negrense and political nemesis, Bacolod Mayor Bing Leonardia said he was personally requested by Pacquiao to again carry the WBC international belt in the ring during the introduction.
?Hindi totoo ?yan,? protested Lito Mondejar, one of the country?s boxing old timers and perennial carrier of Pacquiao?s belt. ?He was the one who requested for it and you can quote me on this.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Alex P. Vidal.
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