Army to promote M/Sgt. Pacquiao to Lt. Col.

MANILA, Philippines - With his accomplishments that brought honor to the country, Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao will be promoted to lieutenant colonel by the Philippine Army, an official said today.

Col. Antonio Parlade Jr., acting chief of the Army's public affairs office, said the promotion is now being processed by the military.

"It will be completed within the year," Parlade said as the Army gave a testimonial review to the Filipino boxing champion.

Parlade said that aside from his latest victory over American Sugar Shane Mosley, Pacquiao is qualified for the promotion being an elected official.

At present, Pacquaio has a rank of Senior Master Sergeant in the Army's Reserve Force.

Today, the military will award a medallion to Pacquaio during the testimonial review at the Army headquarters in Taguig City.

Army commanding chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz will award the medallion which bears the colors of the Philippine flag.

"I want every soldier to acquire the exemplary training discipline and dedication of Pacman. We need these attributes as we carry out our mandate to serve the Filipino people," Ortiz said.

Pacman late, gives short speech

Aside from medallion and plaque of recognition, the Army hierarchy gave a testimonial review to Pacquiao.

The testimonial parade is usually given only to visiting dignitaries and senior military officers, according to Army commanding chief Lt. Gen Arturo Ortiz.

After Ortiz's 10-minute introductory speech, Pacquiao, sporting a white Barong Tagalog, did not immediately rise from his seat to deliver his own speech before the uniformed personnel and officials at the Army headquarter's grandstand in Taguig City for the honor and recognition.

He only approached the lectern after an official gave him a cue to stand up.

Pacquiao, who arrived an hour late at the venue, delivered an impromptu speech, mostly on his recent victory over Mosley.

"Alam ko marami nadismaya doon sa laban, pati ako nadismaya," he said, referring to his fight.

He also recalled how he tried to engage Mosley into a slugfest but the American always opted to evade him.

"Takbo siya nang takbo pero hindi ko siya maabutan," he said.

Pacquaio finally thanked the Army leadership for the recognition it bestowed upon him.

Asked why he did not prepare a speech for the prestigious recognition, Pacquiao said:"Gusto ko galing sa puso."

Pacquiao, along with Ortiz, also conducted an inspection of troops during the testimonial review.

Ortiz also confirmed that Army's Office of Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Reserve Force Development (J9) is studying to promote Pacquiao.