"That’s our plan. That Manny’s future fight will be held in the Philippines,"said the First Gentleman Sunday, the day after Pacquiao knocked out Erik Morales here in Vegas.
Arroyo came over to see the fight live at the Thomas and Mack Center. He said he jumped with joy when he saw the referee, Kenny Bayless, stop the fight late in the 10th round.
"I jumped of course. Those who were with me also jumped with joy," said the First Gentleman, adding that he immediately texted the President back home.
"Then she called. And the first words she said was ‘praise God.’ Then she asked if she could talk to Manny. And later on she did," added Arroyo.
Back to the possible Pacquiao fight in the Philippines, the First Gentleman said he has broached the idea to Smart and PLDT honcho Manny Pangilinan.
"I brought out the idea to him and he liked the idea. Manny Pangilinan will be willing to give the same guaranteed prize money. So, mukhang okay naman eh," he said.
"Pero matagal pa yan. Sana nga yung next fight na eh.
Pero kung may naka-set na, wala na tayong magagawa. Sa susunod na lang," he added.
"Para yung taong bayan nandun lahat. Depende na lang kila Manny at sa mga promoter kung magkano ang hihingin. Pero sa future pa naman yan."
Pacquiao has fought mostly in the US since 2001, and last staged a fight in the Philippines in December of 2004 when he knocked out Thai Fahsan 3-K Battery in Taguig.
Pacquiao got $300,000 for that fight, a scheduled 10-rounder with no title at stake. This is the type of fight Pacquiao could hold back home.
Definitely not the one he fought last Saturday where he received $2 million, and Morales probably even more.