MANILA, Philippines—Mark your calendar: This coming Friday is Manny Pacquiao Day.
But the day will not be a holiday, Cabinet Secretary Silvestro Bello III stressed.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday declared May 8 a “national day of celebration” in honor of Pacquiao for his rousing knockout win over Britain’s Ricky Hatton, which all but guaranteed the Filipino a place in the boxing Hall of Fame.
In Proclamation No. 1764, Ms Arroyo said the declaration was the “nation’s expression of gratitude (to Pacquiao) for bringing worldwide acclaim for the country.”
“His spectacular victories show the world the best in the Filipino and that his determination and love of God and country exemplify the indomitable Filipino spirit,” Ms Arroyo, who is on a visit to Syria, said in her proclamation.
Bello said a massive motorcade was being organized for Pacquiao’s homecoming on Friday. He said the affair was being coordinated by Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, a fixture in the boxer’s entourage.
Bello agreed that politicians would again jump at the opportunity to be seen as close to Pacquiao and ride on his popularity.
“If I can give them a piece of advice, although I’m sure they won’t like my advice, let him enjoy his celebrity status because he was the one who stepped [into] the ring so only he should benefit [from the glory],” Bello said.
Pacquiao’s spectacular two-round victory over Hatton brought to six the number of weight division titles he has won in his career, including the honorary but prestigious Ring Magazine featherweight crown.
But the day will not be a holiday, Cabinet Secretary Silvestro Bello III stressed.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday declared May 8 a “national day of celebration” in honor of Pacquiao for his rousing knockout win over Britain’s Ricky Hatton, which all but guaranteed the Filipino a place in the boxing Hall of Fame.
In Proclamation No. 1764, Ms Arroyo said the declaration was the “nation’s expression of gratitude (to Pacquiao) for bringing worldwide acclaim for the country.”
“His spectacular victories show the world the best in the Filipino and that his determination and love of God and country exemplify the indomitable Filipino spirit,” Ms Arroyo, who is on a visit to Syria, said in her proclamation.
Bello said a massive motorcade was being organized for Pacquiao’s homecoming on Friday. He said the affair was being coordinated by Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, a fixture in the boxer’s entourage.
Bello agreed that politicians would again jump at the opportunity to be seen as close to Pacquiao and ride on his popularity.
“If I can give them a piece of advice, although I’m sure they won’t like my advice, let him enjoy his celebrity status because he was the one who stepped [into] the ring so only he should benefit [from the glory],” Bello said.
Pacquiao’s spectacular two-round victory over Hatton brought to six the number of weight division titles he has won in his career, including the honorary but prestigious Ring Magazine featherweight crown.
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