Pacman’s ex-lover to do a ‘Hope’

A 25-year-old woman who sued Manny Pacquiao for abuse because of his alleged refusal to support their love child now wants to face the boxing idol in another confrontation, this time in the political arena.

Lawyer Vic Rodriguez said his client Joanne Bacusa had informed him of her plans to campaign against Pacquiao if the latter decides to challenge Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio in the May 14 elections.

"Joanne is willing to invade General Santos City to continue her fight against Pacquiao," Rodriguez told The STAR in a phone interview.

"I do not know congresswoman Antonino personally but my client wants an arrangement so that she can join her campaign sorties," he said.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza earlier said Pacquiao was withdrawing from the congressional race in General Santos City, but the boxing legend said in a TV interview that he has not changed his mind about his political plans.

Rodriguez represented Bacusa in a case filed with the Quezon City prosecutors office against Pacquiao. It cited the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children law.

In the case, Bacusa also sought paternity recognition and child support for her son by Pacquiao.

The Quezon City prosecutors office, however, dismissed the case citing the absence of probable cause to indict the boxing champion.

Ironically, it was Antonino who was the main proponent of the law that Pacquiao reportedly violated.

In a six-page complaint filed in February last year, Bacusa accused Pacquiao of cutting the financial support for their then one-year-old love child.

Bacusa, a former receptionist at City Square KTV bar in Malate Manila alleged that their relationship began on April 18, 2003 when Pacquiao invited her out for breakfast after her work.

But instead of going to a restaurant, Pacquiao took her to Winston Hotel in Pasay City where they had sex after which Pacquiao offered her an undetermined amount of money, which she declined. Later that month, she and Pacquiao again had sexual encounters on three occasions.

The boxing legend initially welcomed the news of her pregnancy and that he even gave her P20,000 for apartment rental, and P300,000 as "Christmas gift’’ and for hospital expenses for the delivery of their love child.

Pacquiao, she said, showed up again three weeks after she gave birth on Jan. 2, 2004. Later, he stopped sending money but he would call from time to time. She said she had to look for a part-time job to survive.

On Nov. 23, 2005 she got a call from Pacquiao asking her to go to Cebu with their love child. Bacusa claimed she had to borrow money for a plane ticket. They were billeted at the Waterfront Hotel.

To her dismay, Pacquiao gave her only P 3,000 and did not even reimburse her air fare. Pacquiao never showed up again.

But on Jan. 31 last year, Bacusa said she got an angry call from Pacquiao berating her for seeking the help of a lawyer to win child support.

Breathing space

Atienza appealed to the public yesterday to give Pacquiao "some space" to decide his career moves. Atienza issued the appeal amid the confusion over Pacquiao’s political plans.

"There is nothing to clarify. I can understand Manny. He had developed the thinking of going to public service," Atienza said.

"He should be given some space. Let us leave it at that at the moment. No conditions. I don’t want to sound as if I’m controlling him," he added. The Manila mayor is acknowledged as Pacquiao’s benefactor. The boxing icon once called Atienza his second father.

Atienza said Pacquiao is willing to set aside his political campaign and go full time with preparations for his April 14 fight against Mexican Jorge Solis.

"He accepted what I told him that politics can still wait, while boxing is now. He should set aside politics and concentrate on his boxing," Atienza pointed out.

He declined to speculate on what Pacquiao’s move would be after the April 14 fight. "I am merely an adviser who shares experiences and knowledge with him." - With Evelyn Macairan