Politicians should save the money they plan to spend on ringside seats for Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s boxing match in Las Vegas next week and give the money to the poor instead, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales of Manila says. “Of course we are also happy that our fellow Filipino is carrying the country’s name abroad but they (politicians) can show their support by merely watching TV. They don’t need to go to America,” Cardinal Rosales said on Radio Veritas 846, UCA News reports.
“They should just donate the money … to the poor.”
Pacquiao is set to challenge Puerto Rican World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Miguel Cotto for the title at the MGM Grand on Nov. 14.
Tickets for the fight cost between US$150 and US$1,000.
Pacquiao is a sensation in the Philippines but the fight comes as thousands of his countrymen are struggling for survival in the aftermath of a string of typhoons which have hammered the country in recent weeks.
“It is not wrong to watch boxing but maybe…during this time of crisis we should think what would be the best for all of us,” the cardinal said.
Pacquiao, 30, of General Santos City, southern Philippines, is the favorite to win the challenge. He has been undefeated in 49 out of 54 fights, winning 37 of them by knock out.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo told reporters on Nov. 3 that Pacquiao fans in the Cabinet did not need reminding about overspending to watch their boxing idol.
They are “mature and responsible individuals and they know what their priorities are,” she said.
But she said “everyone has the right to go abroad and watch Manny Pacquiao if they want to, as long as they do not compromise their jobs and their agencies.”
Some of Pacquiao’s biggest fans in the government include Environment Secretary Joselito Atienza and Deputy National Security Adviser Luis Singson who have followed the boxer on most of his overseas matches.
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