MANILA, Philippines - Speaker Feliciano Belmonte has cancelled his plan to watch the fight of world boxing champion and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao against Mexican Antonio Margarito in Arlington, Texas on Nov. 13 as the House of Representatives has a lot of work to do when Congress resumes session on Monday.
Belmonte said at least 50 lawmakers might watch the Pacquiao-Margarito bout at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas.
“So far there were something like I would say maximum of 50, maybe less than that, that I have approved and were given travel authority but virtually all of them traveled on their own and I wouldn’t be surprised if some of those who said they’re going to be in the United States will eventually end up in the Pacquiao fight,” Belmonte told reporters.
He earlier maintained that no congressman would watch the Pacquiao-Margarito using taxpayers money.
“I am happy to say that they simply wanted to get travel authority so that they can facilitate their travel documents, but nobody is asking for money to pay for their fare or other expenses,” he said.
Belmonte said he wanted to give moral support to Pacquiao, his colleague in Congress and the Philippines’ pride, but more pressing matters in the country prompted him to stay home.
He said he was looking forward to the resumption of session on Monday to conduct committee hearings on pending bills.
The House is expected to approve the P1.645-trillion national budget for 2011 after finalizing amendments to the measure during the two-week break.
“I think it is a very critical time and I think it is necessary for me to be around,” Belmonte said.
He said he would just call Pacquiao and wish him luck.
Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales earlier said House members who would go to Texas would be marked absent.
“Even Pacman (Pacquiao) would be (marked) absent because his fight cannot be considered as official business of a member of Congress,” Gonzales said.
He said if his colleagues leave Texas next Sunday after the Saturday fight, they would be in Manila by Tuesday morning. “They will be missing the Monday session,” he added.
Gonzales said the number of congressmen who are expected to watch the Pacquiao-Margarito bout would not disrupt quorum.