Manny’s political foes preparing hero’s welcome

Manny Pacquiao’s political foes are preparing a red carpet welcome for him in his hometown in General Santos City, amid concerns that his victory over his Mexican opponent may seal another victory – this time in the congressional race – against a member of a prominent political clan.

City Mayor Pedro Acheron Jr. said he met with Rodolfo Pascual, who chairs Pacquiao’s People’s Champ Movement, to discuss a "coordinated" hero’s welcome for the boxing champion.

Acheron, together with former mayor Adelbert Antonino, set up a big screen at the Lagao gym to enable city residents to watch the Pacquiao-Solis fight for free. Pacquiao is challenging Antonino’s daughter, incumbent Rep. Darlene Custodio, in the congressional race for the first district of South Cotabato and General Santos City.

Adelbert and his estranged wife, former representative Lualhati Antonino flew in from Manila to watch Pacquiao’s fight as well as mingle with voters.

But Pascual said he had received reports that the fight’s public viewing was cut when Pacquiao was shown being interviewed after the fight while people in the background were shouting "congressman, congressman." He said it was a certain Ernie Quisay from the mayor’s office who reportedly ordered the program cut.

This was denied by Acheron. "That’s not true, I was there during and until the end of the viewing."

Sought for reaction, Darlene only said she was also happy with Pacquiao’s boxing victory because it gave honor to the country.

She even encouraged everyone to join in the hero’s welcome for Pacquiao on April 18.

In Manila, the city government said there would be a motorcade for Pacquiao tomorrow.

"Congratulations to Manny. As a friend and second father of Manny, we thank the Lord for giving him the strength," Mayor Lito Atienza said.

Atienza said he was able to talk to the 28-year-old boxer before the fight and that he was heartened by Pacquiao’s promise to dedicate his victory to his countrymen.

He said an accidental head butt that left a cut on Pacquiao’s left brow worried him much.

"I remembered his previous fight with (Erik) Morales in Las Vegas when he also suffered a cut because of a head butt. But when I watched his movements, I saw that he was doing well." Pacquiao lost to Morales by two points in their controversial March 2005 bout.

Atienza’s son, Ali, a mayoralty candidate, said he was confident of a Pacquiao victory despite the cut.

"It has been six or seven years ago when I brought Manny before Mayor Atienza. If Manny is the adopted son of Mayor Atienza then he is the brother of Ali Atienza." Mayor Atienza said Pacquiao’s victory would "definitely" boost his chances in the congressional race against Custodio.

He also said that more than 60,000 city residents enjoyed a "ringside" view of the Pacquiao-Solis fight through the public viewing areas set up by the city government in various places in the city.

"With modern technology, we can now bring the fights to the people, free entertainment. We can directly watch the fight that is 12,000 miles away in Texas," the Manila mayor said.

"Manny is our pride, our idol. Now even the poor people in Parola Compound and Baseco Compound can watch his fight just like on ringside."

Manila Police District (MPD) acting director Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa said no criminal case was reported during the fight.