Manny Pacquiao can now go back to training in Los Angeles with the assurance that all his hard-earned money deposited in Philippine banks is safe and sound.
“Everything’s okay. We’re flying back to Los Angeles tonight. Now he can focus more in training,” said Pacquiao’s legal counsel Franklin Gacal yesterday afternoon.
Pacquiao, who arrived in Los Angeles last Sept. 14, was only in his third day at the Wild Card Gym training for his Dec. 6 fight with Oscar dela Hoya when he flew home.
Pacquiao was apparently worried about the effects of the financial turmoil in the US that has sparked a worldwide crisis, and wanted to make sure his money is safe.
Pacquiao, according to his lieutenant Jake Joson, spent almost the whole day Monday working on his bank accounts, most of which were just under one single bank.
“He sat down with the management and felt assured that his money was safe. Still he decided to open new accounts with other banks. He didn’t want all his eggs in one basket now,” he said.
“Manny said he just couldn’t focus in training until he felt assured that his money is safe. And you cannot blame him because he worked hard for his money. He bled for his money,” Joson said.
Pacquiao was scheduled to fly back to LA last night with Gacal.
Pacquiao said he was also glad to be home and be with his family, including his wife Jinkee who is five months pregnant with their fourth child, another girl.
Pacquiao stayed at their posh residence in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, catching up with his kids – Michael, Emmanuel and Princess who celebrates her second birthday on Oct. 1.
“Manny knew he wouldn’t be here for Princess’ birthday, so he was happy to be home for a few days. He’s always happy when he’s with his family,” said Joson.
Trainer Freddie Roach said Pacquiao skipping a couple of days won’t really affect their two-month preparations for the Dela Hoya fight set at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“It really won’t affect our training program because we’re just about to start. It won’t affect him. We’re just trying to get him in shape and conditioned in his first week at the gym,” he told The STAR.