Manny to tee off fund drive for AG bets

Manny Pacquiao is in a very good mood these days.

After scoring a big knockout win in his legal battle with American promoter Murad Muhammad, the Filipino boxing hero yesterday announced the staging of the first Manny Pacquiao golf tournament on July 28 in Wack Wack.

The tournament is actually a fund-raiser with proceeds intended to help the national athletes preparing for the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. He said it will also benefit former professional boxers.

"Golf naman ngayon. Magpa-pagolf ako para sa mga atleta natin. Pipili kami ng mga athletes na puwede naming tulungan. Siyempre kasama ang mga boxers na lalaban sa Asian Games next year," he said.

Pacquiao announced his plans during the PSA Forum at the Pantalan Restaurant in Manila.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco and chairman Robert Aventajado were surprised by Pacquiao’s gesture. They gladly welcomed it and described it as a noble gesture.

"Napaka-gandang program for some like him to do that. It’s really something to talk about," said Cojuancgo, adding that Pacquiao’s gesture is worth emulating.

"Sana gayahin siya ng iba nating mga athletes," said Cojuangco.

Asked if he has any plans of helping the national athletes gearing up for the SEA Games this November, Pacquiao said it could be discussed.

After the forum, Aventajado talked directly with Pacquiao who sought the former’s help on how they could formulate the guidelines on which athlete would benefit from the program.