Thursday, April 19, 2007 Townmates welcome back favorite son By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
EVEN political rivals that included his opponent in the coming May elections showed up to welcome back Manny Pacquiao upon the boxer's return to his hometown General Santos City Wednesday morning.
Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. and South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio led thousands of townmates and well-wishers when Pacquiao planed in at the General Santos City International Airport aboard a Philippine Airlines flight at around 8:45 a.m.
"Congratulations, Manny," Rep. Custodio told Pacquiao, who seemed surprise at the presence of his opponent for South Cotabato's first district congressional seat.
Custodio shook Pacquiao's hand and hugged him, while Acharon also reached out for the boxer's hand and congratulated him for bringing honor to the country.
Pacquiao on Saturday scored an 8th-round knockout over Jorge Solis of Mexico in their super featherweight showdown in San Antonio, Texas.
Pacquiao thanked Acharon and Custodio for their gesture.
"Pasalamat pod ko sa kay Mayor ug kang Congresswoman Darlene kay anaa usab siya karon sa akong pag-abot, (I'm grateful that Mayor Acharon and Rep. Custodio are here to welcome me)," Pacquiao said.
Mayor Acharon said he has been a supporter of Pacquiao and the City Government always makes it a habit to extend a hero's welcome for the boxer win or lose every time he fights abroad.
Both Acharon and Custodio then joined Pacquiao in a press conference held at the Oval Plaza.
Pacquiao answered all questions during the forum except those touching on politics, apparently out of respect to the two officials.
When the press conference was over, Acharon reminded everyone it was time to start the motorcade and gave Pacquiao authority to select his route.
"It's your time Manny. The budget used for this activity was from the taxpayer's money, go on," Acharon told Pacquiao.
Wasting no time, Pacquiao ordered the motorcade to start.
Pacquiao, his supporters and parytmates went around the city and even proceeded to Polomolok, Tupi and Tampakan, which comprises the first district of South Cotabato and where the boxer is seeking a congress seat.
Acharon and Custodio, not wanting to interrupt Pacquiao's time, opted to be left behind. (With a report from Mel Coronel)
