Lt. Col. Pacquiao keeps moustache

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao yesterday added another feather to his cap after the Philippine Army conferred on him the rank of lieutenant colonel in the reserve corps.

Army chief Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista donned Pacquiao’s shoulder board, which has two sun emblems representing the lieutenant colonel rank, in simple ceremonies held at the Army Officers Club in Fort Bonifacio.

Pacquiao wore Army general office attire but was noticeably sporting a mustache. Military discipline dictates that a soldier should not have a mustache when in uniform. Soldiers who fail to shave were reported to their superiors.

When asked why he did not remove his mustache before receiving his lieutenant colonel rank, Pacquiao said: “I would have wanted to shave but Jinkee (his wife) does not want it.”

No one among the boxer’s family witnessed the donning of his lieutenant colonel rank. Pacquiao, nevertheless, greeted his wife before he started his acceptance speech.

“Of course, even if she is not here, I will still greet her, my wife Jinkee para good tayo,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Among the prominent personalities who witnessed the event were retired police officer and Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, former Armed Forces chief Victor Ibrado and former Army chief Arturo Ortiz.

The donning of rank insignia is a tradition in the Army designed to publicly recognize the qualifications of personnel that secure a higher rank.

Pacquiao was named reserve Army lieutenant colonel by President Aquino last Sept. 21. Prior to this, he held the rank of reserve senior master sergeant.

Pacman mum on GMA

On the health condition of his erstwhile political ally, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Pacquiao said he hopes “she would recover from her illness.”

He said he might visit the former president if he is “available or no longer busy.”

When asked to comment on the condition of Arroyo, Pacquiao merely said that existing laws should be complied with.

“We have the laws and there are lawyers working for her. The law must prevail. The law must be followed,” he said without elaborating.

Pacquiao was one of the celebrities who endorsed Arroyo’s reelection bid in 2004.

In 2007, Pacquiao sought a congressional seat in South Cotabato’s first district but lost by a huge margin to then incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio, now General Santos City mayor. He used to be part of the Liberal Party wing of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza.

He backed the presidential bid of Sen. Manuel Villar in 2010. He was elected representative of Sarangani province in the same year.

After the 2010 polls, Pacquiao was one of the first politicians who jumped ship to the camp of President Aquino.

Looking at Mayweather

Pacquiao also vowed to win his remaining fights and to craft laws that would promote the interest of soldiers.

“I promise to continue to win my few more fights and bring honor to our country,” he said. “Should you need legislative support, my congressional office will be there to help you. As your officer, I am always at your service.”

Pacquiao also maintained that he was the winner in his controversial bout against Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez last month.

“Are there soldiers who doubt (my victory)? I will bring them with me in my training,” Pacquiao said in jest.

“Manny Pacquiao cannot wallop his rivals all the time. There are times we have to win a very close fight. That’s the way it is,” he added.

Bautista said he is convinced that Pacquiao prevailed over Marquez.

“As far as the army is concerned, Manny Pacquiao is the undisputed winner, you know he won fair and square. Manny always plays clean even if his opponent does not, that is a mark of a true gentleman warrior,” he said.

On Nov. 13, Pacquiao retained his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown after winning against Marquez via majority decision. The bout, which marked the third time the two boxers fought against each other, was held at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

In an interview with reporters after the ceremony, Pacquiao said he is still waiting for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to sign a deal that would pave the way for their bout.

“We are ready anytime and I am excited for that bout. We hope this would push through. Everyone is excited,” he said.