Anti-gambling crusader Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz yesterday expressed disapproval of the habit of many Filipinos placing money bets during the fights of Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao.
“In principle, it is not only demeaning but actually disgusting to make money out of people who put not only their health, but also their life on the line,” said Cruz, founder of the Krusadang Bayan Laban sa Jueteng.
Cruz said several people place bets, of varying amounts, on whether Pacquiao would beat his opponent, in this case Oscar “Golden Boy” de la Hoya.
The bout of the two sluggers is billed as the “Dream Match” to be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas this noon (Saturday night in Las Vegas).
“It is pitiful of Mr. Pacquiao if he loses the fight because those who placed their bets on him would still blame him, if not become angry at him because they lost their money,” the prelate said.
“Those who placed their bets on him will make money at his expense in terms of pain and perhaps even injuries, not to mention possible brain damage, while those who made money on him had nothing but good time,” he added.
Pray for Pacman
President Arroyo called on the nation to rally behind Pacquiao through prayer as he faces what could be the biggest fight of his illustrious career today against De la Hoya.
Presidential Management Staff Cerge Remonde said the President will lead the nation in prayer for the man who has brought so much honor and recognition to the country in the international arena.
“The message of the President is for the people to unite and to give our prayers and support for the triumph and victory of Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas. Because the victory of Manny Pacquiao will be the victory of the Filipino people,” Remonde said in an interview over radio station dzRB.
He said the President will definitely be watching the fight of Pacquiao though he could not say where.
“She has not missed any fight of Manny Pacquiao. She even watched at the Los Angeles Airport. Well, of course, you all know that the President is close to Manny and Manny has always been supportive of the President,” Remonde said.
In an earlier interview, Remonde said First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo would watch the match here and not in Las Vegas as he did in some of the boxer’s previous fights.
At least he will be allowed to watch the fight now unlike in April last year during Pacquiao’s fight with Jorge Solis.
The First Gentleman had just undergone an open heart surgery at the time and his doctors prohibited him from watching the fight because the excitement could put a strain on his heart.
Mr. Arroyo has always been a fan of Pacquiao and has given a lot to local sports in general as one of its major benefactors.
Meantime, Army shooters participating in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Rifle Meet in Tarlac are putting aside their weapons today to cheer for Pacquiao.
“We love Pacquiao and we are all cheering for him,” said Lt. Col. Sorawit Parncharoen of the Royal Thai Army, one of the dozens of participants in this year’s ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet.
Parncharoen said that being his fellow Asian, Pacquiao deserves all the support of the people in the entire region.
Singaporean Army shooter Nicolai Ong described this year’s competition as the most exciting due to the Pacman-De la Hoya fight.
“Indeed, Pacman has a way of uniting not only the Filipinos every time he has a fight, but most especially other Asian countries. The delegates know him very well and can’t wait to watch the fight tomorrow,” Brawner said yesterday.
The participants will be able to watch the Pacquiao-De la Hoya fight through a free live telecast for them in a hall at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.
Aside from the live telecast, the Philippine Army, as host for this year’s competition, is also putting up an activity center with food booths, spa services, KTV and band shows to entertain the delegates. - With Marvin Sy and Jaime Laude