First Gent: Manny’s win a unifying factor

LOS ANGELES–First Gentleman Mike Arroyo has lauded Manny Pacquiao for his resounding victory, which could well serve as a unifying factor for all Filipinos.

"What he did was for the Philippines. Whatever he did there, we’re proud of him. He’s very courageous," said the First Gentleman during Pacquiao’s post-fight celebration.

Arroyo was at ringside along with daughter Luli to personally cheer on the Filipino boxer who went on to knock out Mexican Hector Velasquez at the Staples Center.

The Arroyos and the huge crowd of more than 10,000 watched closely as Pacquiao stopped the Mexican slugger in the sixth round of their super-featherweight bout scheduled for 12.

"His actions were really for the Philippines. All the Filipinos in there were united. We were all united," he added during the party he hosted for Pacquiao and friends.

The First Gentleman cited the role of sports as a unifying factor for the Filipinos.

"When we’re united, we can achieve wonders. Look at that, we had three victories," he said, referring to the similar KO victories of Filipinos Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista and Brian Villoria last Saturday.

The First Gentleman said President Arroyo did call Pacquiao after the fight while the latter was at the dressing room, and personally congratulated him.

"I just don’t know what the President told him. But she called him," he added.

The President is in New York for a United Nations gathering. The First Gentleman will join her there. — Abac Cordero