Pacquiao back in Manila, vows to report for work at House

Manila, Philippines - After his historic win, boxing legend Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao yesterday vowed to report for work at the House of Representatives.

Pacquiao earlier told a news conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) upon his arrival from the US that he is eager to report for work in Congress on Monday.

Pacquiao attended his customary thanksgiving Mass at the Quiapo Church in Manila yesterday shortly after arriving from the US, a week after winning against American Shane Mosley in their bout last May 8.

Security was tight at the Quiapo Church even before Pacquiao arrived for the thanksgiving Mass.

Thousands of fans and bystanders awaited Pacquiao, who arrived with his wife Jinkee and their party after a brief rest at the New World Hotel in Makati City.

In his homily, Monsignor Clemente Ignacio urged the Sarangani lawmaker to work against the approval of the RH bill in Congress.

In his homily, Ignacio virtually tapped the services of Pacquiao to work against the passage of the RH bill.

He reminded Pacquiao of his holy obligation as a Catholic to say no to the controversial measure and serve as God’s way of bringing back his colleague lawmakers to the faith.

Pacquiao replied that he will not support the RH bill, saying the measure runs against God’s will.

Meanwhile, Malacañang joined the fans in welcoming Pacquiao.

“Welcome home, Congressman Manny Pacquiao! We are very happy to have you back and we look forward to your next fight. I know the rest of the country will be eagerly awaiting another spectacular match from the Pacman,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over state-run dzRB radio.

Valte assured Pacquiao that President Aquino would continue to support his next fights.

Valte said there was no scheduled courtesy call on President Aquino by Pacquiao.

Valte said Aquino, who was in Jakarta, Indonesia attending the ASEAN summit during the bout, had called to offer his congratulations.

Aquino had told reporters in Jakarta that he had advised Pacquiao to consider retiring as he had done more than enough to make the country proud.

Pacquiao also denied anew allegations that he took performance-enhancing drugs before a fight.

Pacquiao also downplayed plans of retiring from boxing soon and admitted the possibility of a return match with Mexican Juan Miguel Marquez. – With Aurea Calica, Rudy Santos, Rose Tamayo-Tesoro