Pacquiao, Krista deny affair

MANILA, Philippines - Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao denied yesterday a rumored affair with actress Krista Ranillo, which had stirred up so much interest in media and cyberspace during and after the boxer’s fight with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Breaking his silence on the issue, Pacquiao told GMA News that he and Krista “are just good friends.”

He also apologized to Krista and her family for having been dragged into the issue, which he said had been “blown out of proportion.”

In a statement, an official of AVL Productions, which manages Krista, said: “I’m glad that Manny took the initiative in issuing an apology to the Ranillo family, who has been suffering from anguish because of all the unfounded rumors linking him to Krista.”

“I also hope that his denial of the affair will finally put the issue to rest. For what he just did, I commend Manny for being not just a legendary boxing hero, but a true gentleman even outside the ring.”

Pacquiao likewise clarified reports that his marriage with Jinkee is on the rocks.

Both Pacquiao and Jinkee arrived last Friday, while Krista and her family are still in the US.

Krista will star in Pacquiao’s next movie, Wapakman.

‘Stay in your corner’

Meanwhile, Malacañang urged Pacquiao to remain his usual self even as he considers entering politics anew, with various political parties convincing him to join them.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said the Palace would respect whatever decision Pacquiao would make on his political plans.

Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio suggested that if Pacquiao wants to run for a congressional seat in the May 2010 elections, it would be better for him to run under the party-list system where he can represent a broader national constituency. – - Paolo Romero