Pacquiao back in Manila, says no to RH bill

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao arrived back in Manila today after successfully defending his World Boxing Organization title against Sugar Shane Mosley last week.

Pacquiao arrived with his wife and his usual entourage at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 6:35 a.m. via Philippine Airlines flight PR 103. The boxing icon was welcomed by his children, friends and supporters.

During a brief press conference at the airport, Pacquiao denied rumors that he was using steroids. He said the rumors can be belied by drug tests conducted before and after the fight.

He added that his lawyers are studying the possibility of filing charges against the people behind the rumor.

Setting aside the negative, Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee announced the good news.

They said Paris Hilton is visiting the Philippines in three months and they already have the Hermes bag for Mommy Dionesia, who is celebrating her birthday on Sunday.

From the airport, Pacquiao's family and members of Team Pacquiao proceeded to Makati City for a brief rest in a hotel.

At past 9 a.m., Pacquiao and his wife with Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and former Manila mayor Lito Atienza went to Mass in Quiapo. A radio dzMM report said some fans were surprised to see Pacquiao because they thought the boxing icon's visit to the church was scheduled tomorrow.

Monsignor Clemente Ignacio, Quiapo church rector, asked Pacquiao during the Mass not to forget God when he returns to Congress, hinting at the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill which has been pending for more than a decade.

Replying to the priest, Pacquiao said that RH bill is: "Against God's commandments. It is not the solution to end poverty."

Pacquiao said that “unity” and an intensified fight against corruption will end poverty in the country.

From the church, Pacquiao and his family proceeded to the New World Hotel in Manila.

Reports said the boxing hero was scheduled to proceed to Malacañang, and that he was supposed to hand over to President Benigno Aquino III the yellow gloves he wore during his fight with Mosley.

The Pacman said the pair of yellow gloves is a symbol for his fight against poverty and his call for unity among Filipinos.

In an interview on state-run Radyo ng Bayan, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said she was not aware of Pacquiao's supposed visit to Malacañang today.

Valte said that there was no mention of Pacquiao's courtesy call in the President's schedule.

Meanwhile, Valte said Malacañang is already looking forward to Pacquiao's next fight also this year.

"Welcome home Congressman Manny Pacquiao. We look forward to your next fight," she said. -- Angelo L. Gutierrez