Administration lawmakers demand apology from Bieber

MANILA, Philippines - Administration lawmakers are demanding an apology from teen pop singer Justin Bieber for his “distasteful comments” against world boxing icon and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao shortly after he was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez in their last fight.

Representatives Carol Jayne Lopez, Seth Frederick Jalosjos, Amado Bagatsing, Antonio Alvarez, Mark Aeron Sambar, Alfredo Garbin, and Isidro Lico filed House Resolution No. 2962 to declare Bieber persona non grata and barred from entering the country if he does not apologize for insulting Pacquiao, who is well-loved and respected by Filipinos.

“Hon. Pacquiao, after learning of the distasteful comments made by the Canadian pop star, immediately forgave the latter as well as the others who may have made fun of him as a result of his recent loss via knockout, saying, ‘Sabi nga sa kautusan ng Panginoon (As the Lord instructed), pray for those who persecute you, so we will pray for them. Patawarin natin sila (Let’s forgive them)’,” the lawmakers said in the resolution.

“Mr. Bieber should have known that the Hon. Pacquiao has reached his stature as a result of sheer hard work, determination, and firm belief in God, and despite such stature best exemplifies humility and grace and even in defeat,” they said.

The authors cited reports that Bieber posted some pictures on Instagram on Dec. 10, a day after Pacquiao was knocked out, that showed the boxer lying unconscious and an image of the Disney character “Simba” was inserted with a caption “Dad wake up.”

Another picture was of an unconscious Pacquiao falling after being punched. With him was a photo of the late Michael Jackson doing his famous leaning pose.

The lawmakers said Bieber in the past did not hide his dislike for Pacquiao, and declared his support for Floyd Mayweather.

They said Bieber, who in May this year staged a concert in the country, should have known that Pacquiao is admired and respected not only in the Philippines but also around the world because of his humility.

The lawmakers also said Pacquiao is a duly elected representative of Saranggani province, so Bieber has “indirectly hurt and insulted” its people.