At least 4 lawmakers backing out of Dallas trip

MANILA, Philippines – Some members of the House of Representatives who had planned to watch the Pacquiao-Margarito fight in Dallas, Texas this weekend have cancelled their plans.

Cebu Rep. Luis Quisumbing, one of those invited by Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao to watch his match with Mexican Antonio Margarito, yesterday said he is not going to Dallas.

He said much as he would like to honor the invitation of his “good friend” and colleague, he could not leave the country because of “pressing concerns” in his district, including the turnover of books for daycare centers in Mandaue City and in the town of Cordova.

He said he also would not want to be absent from the House sessions on Monday and Tuesday.

Another House member who is not leaving for Dallas is Davao City’s Mylene Garcia Albano.

“She has chosen to stay here,” her husband, former Isabela congressman and now Vice Gov. Rodolfo Albano III, told The STAR upon reading that his wife was included in the Texas bound congressional delegation.

Among those invited by Pacquiao to watch his fight was Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., who, like his other colleagues, has decided to stay in the country to lead the sessions.

As of yesterday, Representatives Mitos Magsaysay and Rodante Marcoleta of Alagad said they were not sure if they were going. Two others, Joel Duavit of Rizal and Cesar Jalosjos of Zamboanga del Norte, are also reportedly not sure of making the trip.

Pacquiao’s staff earlier told Filipino journalists covering the Dallas slugfest that the Filipino boxing champion expected more than 50 of his colleagues to watch his match with Margarito.

However, as of Thursday, the number was down to 27, including 14 who have official travel authority (TA) to the United States using their own funds. 

The rest were either going there without TA or had flown there during the three-week congressional vacation to await Pacquiao’s fight.

Congress resumed session last Monday.

The House has been recording overwhelming attendance despite the absence of several members.

On Monday, it approved on third and final reading President Aquino’s proposed P1.645-trillion 2011 national budget.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said there is nothing wrong with watching the Pacquiao fight to show moral support for their colleague.

“While I am not going to the US, I think we should admire our kababayans who go out of their way to support our national pride Manny. Manny has brought honor and pride to our country. He deserves our support,” he said. 

Good luck

Malacañang, meanwhile, wished Pacquiao good luck in his fight against Margarito. “Best wishes po ang pinararating natin kay Manny Pacquiao. Kasabay po natin ang buong sambayanan na nagsasabing nais nating magtagumpay siya (Our best wishes for Manny Pacquiao. We are one with the nation in professing our wish for his victory),” Secretary Herminio Coloma said.

He said that while Margarito seemed to have an advantage in terms of body size, the speed and impact of Pacquiao’s punches would still spell the difference in the much-awaited bout. 

For his part, Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez, who is not going to Dallas, predicted a Pacquiao victory. “I believe with Pacquiao’s speed, punching power, stamina, and ability to deliver non-stop, vicious combinations, he will KO Margarito in six rounds or less,” he said. 

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo sees a Pacquiao victory in the third round. “Of course kay Manny Pacquiao tayo. Pambansang kamao yan, siguro mga three rounds lang ang itatagal ni Margarito,” said Bacalzo during the opening of the 18th Defense and Sporting Arms Show at SM Megamall.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) ordered a thorough inspection of venues of the Pacquiao-Margarito fight, which are usually jampacked.

Chief Superintendent Ruben Bearis, BFP deputy chief for operations, issued the orders because “public viewers are expected to swarm in assembly occupancies to watch the bout.”

“In view of this, you are directed to conduct immediate inspection on theaters, assembly halls, auditoriums, restaurants, bars and other places where people may gather to view the fights,” Bearis told regional directors.

“Do ensure that these occupancies properly comply with fire safety standards. Should there be violations, be advised to render immediate recommendations and deal with the matter,” Bearis added. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Delon Porcalla