Limpag: Deifying Pacquiao

WHEN Manny Pacquiao knocked out Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday, there was no other perfect narrative than that of a champion, whom many have written off, somehow channeling his old self for one more great fight. That was the narrative. That was the story.

But days later, in one of the most bizarre press releases I saw, Pacquiao’s own camp added another twist, saying how the Pacman risked his life because he was rushed to the hospital after complaining of difficulties in breathing. There, the publicist continued, the Pacman underwent a difficult procedure where it was discovered that he had a congenital heart disease. He was told to cancel the fight, but bold Pacman assured his crying staff that he would fight.

Aquiles Zonio, Pacquiao’s PIO, qouted the Pacman in the first report, “Those who were with me were saddened and crying. But I told them, don’t worry, I’ll be okay and I’ll do everything to win the fight.”

I didn’t buy that story, nor did I believe an iota of it even if it became the staple of the news cycle. In fact, what got me interested in that PR was the latter part, where the writer called as an ingrate one ABS-CBN publicist who criticized Pacman and wished for his loss. His argument? Pacman paid P20 million for his MPBL to be aired in ABS-CBN. To follow the writer’s logic, anyone connected with ABS-CBN must not criticize the Pacman because he availed himself of ABS-CBN’s product.

After it became the fodder for news, and perhaps after realizing that having a congenital heart disease might not get him a fight in the most lucrative market of all—the US—we saw Pacman’s camp releasing another version, minus all the drama, the crying staff and him being rushed to the hospital and all.

It was just a routine medical checkup, one that Pacman passed with flying colors. To quote PR no. 2, “‘Walang problema iyan. It’s just part of medical requirements for athletes,’ said Pacquiao, following reports of ailments prior to the match.” PR No. 2 conveniently excluded the part where the reports stemmed from their own camp.

The only other news item that made me roll my eyes faster than that was when I read Bong Go’s latest denial of his political ambition.

So what gives? As I suspect, the sole reason this congenital heart disease issue came out was not about Pacquiao’s win but about ABS-CBN’s treatment of the MPBL and one overzealous publicist found a scapegoat. He even wrote that if he were Pacman he’d sue ABS-CBN and take his league to another TV station.

Publicist no. 1 continued in that heart story that failed to tug at the hearts of Pinoys: “Once again, Pacquiao showed his toughness and selflessness---risking his life to fulfill his mission which is to unite and make his countrymen proud...Yet, there are some, particularly his critics and political detractors, who continue to bash and berate him despite his sacrifices and heroism.”

Sacrifices and heroism? From a guy who was assured of $10 million in a fight arranged for the US market?

The guy can’t even sacrifice his boxing career to concentrate on work in the Senate. Now you want him deified?

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