Erap off to Macau for Pacquiao’s fight

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada is leaving for Macau tomorrow to watch Manny Pacquiao’s fight against Brandon Rios for the first time.

In a phone interview with The STAR, Estrada said Pacquiao called him up and invited him to watch his fight.

“He sent me a ticket. Pacquiao and I have been friends for a long time,” the mayor said.

Estrada asked the Filipino people to pray for Pacquiao’s victory.

The city government will provide free public viewing of the Pacquiao-Rios fight in seven city-owned gymnasiums in coordination with Solar Entertainment and 168 mall.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police cancelled the live screening of the Pacquiao-Rios bout so as not to disrupt the relief operations for Yolanda victims.  - Jose Rodel Clapano, Cecille Suerte-Felipe