Villanueva, Legarda wish for Pacman victory (6:18 p.m.)

MANILA -- National candidates have expressed confidence that boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao will clinch another victory for the Filipino nation on Sunday.

Bangon Pilipinas standard bearer Bro. Eddie Villanueva said the 31-year-old pound-for-pound king is a source of national pride and Filipinos should pray in “defending one of his world titles.”

“Pacman, as a world class athlete, has carved for himself a legacy of greatness in the boxing history for which all of us Filipinos should be proud of. Let us pray that he come out successful once more in defending one of his world titles,” he said in a statement.

For her part, Nacionalista Party vice presidential bet and Senator Loren Legarda said Pacquiao should score a knock-out against the Ghanaian challenger.

“Like many Pinoys, I am extremely confident that Manny Pacquiao, given his sterling record, would win his bout with Joshua Clottey," Legarda said in a statement.

“He has done a lot for the country by inspiring all of us and making us proud. I wish him all the best. Knock him out, Manny,” she added.

Malacanang had earlier said Pacquaio will win his 12-round welterweight bout against Clottey at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas which will have former US President George W. Bush as one of the distinguished guests. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)