Pacquiao arrival reset tomorrow

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza said yesterday they would step up preparations for a "champion’s welcome" for Manny Pacquiao tomorrow after the people’s champion postponed his arrival from Los Angeles for a day.

Atienza said reception for the 26-year-old boxing includes a city-wide motorcade after his courtesy call at City Hall. He was expected to fly in early this morning but his arrival was delayed.

There were earlier reports that Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee have been invited to join President Arroyo on her return trip Saturday from New York where she attended a United Nations Security Council meeting. But Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the plan didn’t push through.

Atienza said the organizers headed by Manila Sports Commission (Masco) chairman Arnold "Ali" Atienza would now take advantage of the situation to fine-tune their preparations. "This delay will give us more time to prepare for a champion’s welcome with the theme Kampeon ng Maynila, Kampeon ng Bansa," the Mayor added.

A lavish reception awaits Pacquiao, who beat Mexican Hector Velasquez with technical knockout in the sixth round of their bout at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to claim the WBC international featherweight belt.

Atienza said that they are expecting the General Santos native at the Manila City Hall at around 9 a.m.

After a brief ceremony, they would proceed with their motorcade and pass through the major thoroughfares in the city’s six districts to be cheered by his fans.