Manny to get hero’s welcome

President Arroyo ordered yesterday a "hero’s welcome" for Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao when he returns Friday after beating fancied Mexican fighter Marco Antonio Barrera via 11th round technical knockout for the consensus people’s world featherweight boxing championship at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

The President made the announcement in her press conference held at the provincial sports and games development office in Sta. Cruz, Laguna after talking with Pacquiao over long distance telephone call yesterday morning.

"I talked to him (Pacquiao) this morning and I told him we will give him a hero’s welcome because we are very proud of our world class champion," said President Arroyo.

She added that Fil-Am golfer Dorothy Delasin’s victory in the LPGA Tournament of Champions Sunday (Monday in Manila) only underscored the fact that Filipinos are really world class.

Meanwhile, Vice President Teofisto Guingona also joined millions of Filipinos yesterday in celebrating the victory of Pacquiao.

"Manny Pacquiao embodies the best qualities of the Filipino athlete. His strength, stamina, and unflinching courage in the ring make us all joyous and proud," Guingona said in a statement.

Both chambers of Congress also hailed his victory , describing it as a temporary relief from the political bickering that has divided the country recently. — Marichu Villanueva