GMA: Pacquiao an ambassador of peace

Manila, Philippines--- President Arroyo has given the Filipino boxing champion Manny PacquiaoManny Pacquiao the title as the country’s “Ambassador for Peace and Understanding” in the homecoming party given in the palace yesterday.

The boxing hero was also tapped by the government as a “glorified asset” in its intelligence affairs and designated him as the special assistant Justice Secretary of Justice Raul Gonzalez.

This particular selection or honorary position given to Pacquiao became an issue to some. But a radio report of DWIZ quoted Gonzalez as saying” that the position given to Pacquiao, is not paid. And he will not get any salary form the said position”---- adding that “his intelligence reports will be crucial to the Government.”

Tens of thousands lined the streets of the metropolis to welcome the boxing superstar who had earlier denounced a government request to stay in the US over fears of getting the A(H1N1) influenza virus.

Mrs. Arroyo announced Pacquiao’s designation during the reception at the Rizal Hall where she also “interviewed” the boxer on his fight against the british brawler Ricky HattonRicky Hatton.

Pacquiao went to the Palace grounds at 10:45 a.m. in a motorcade greeted by by Executive Secretary Eduardo ErmitaEduardo Ermita.

He was then escorted to the Music Room where he was received by Mrs. Arroyo and First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. The Filipino boxing champion gave the First Couple blue jackets from Team Pacquiao.

Present in the awarding was Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Bayani Fernando.

Pacquiao was also given by the Palace chefs with a 28-pound chocolate cake that had a candy replica of his belt as decoration.

Mrs. Arroyo greeted Pacquiao and his crew then proceeded to the Rizal Hall for a brief program that was followed by grand luncheon.

Ermita read the decalaration; The National Day of Celebration for Pacquiao’s victory. Three classical singers rendered two songs for Pacquiao, including his own song “Para Sa ‘Yo (For You).”

During the program, Mrs. Arroyo interviewed Pacquiao; where he said that he thought that he was “bigger and stronger” as the trainer says before the match ensued.

“But it turned out that he can’t beat the fist of the Filipino people. I felt a little pity for Hatton, especially after I watched the DVD, the replay. I felt some pity because he was a good man but his trainer talked too much,” he stated in his vernaculars.

Pacquiao stated that he invited his mother Dionisia to watch the fight near the ring but she refused,---- as she might not be able bear the excitement and tension.

Paula Isaiah L. Panganiban with reports from Edwin Eusebio