THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Sunday appealed to candidates not to politicize the return of People's Champ Manny Pacquiao.
“Let the country enjoy it. Let’s not mix politics with that celebration… Spare the event,” said Comelec Commission Gregorio Larrazabal.
He said it would great if people would just celebrate the return of the boxing superstar without mixing it with politics since Pacquiao represents the Filipino in that last match in Texas, USA.
“That event represents that Manny is for Filipinos, not for any individual or group or organization,” Larrazabal noted.
On Sunday morning (Philippine Time), Pacquiao won by a unanimous decision, in a 12-round fight against Ghanian fighter Joshua Clottey for the welterweight championship at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
It’s been a practice, in all his past seven victories to have welcome parades every time he returns from a multi-million fight abroad by touring almost the whole Metro Manila.
Politicians, such as former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, are always present in such parades.
However, no date has been set yet for the boxing legend’s return to the country.
But he is expected to come home soon as the campaign period for local position is scheduled to start on March 26. Pacquiao is running for the congressional seat of the province of Saranggani. (FP/Sunnex)