President Rodrigo Duterte commended senator and Filipino boxing icon Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao when the latter paid a courtesy call to the chief executive in Malacañang on Monday, November 14.
Pacquiao took the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt from Mexican-American Jessie Vargas in their November 5 clash in Las Vegas.
“Do or die ako kay Pacquiao,” said the president after raising Pacquiao’s left hand. “I would like to extend the warmest congratulations from the Filipino people and the government to the senator for doing us proud here.”
The boxing champ gave a gold fighting jersey to Duterte.
Malacañang earlier called Pacquiao a “national treasure in global sports” after winning his fight.
“The discipline, the determination, and the hard work of our People’s Champ are truly what makes him a National Treasure in Global Sports,” the palace statement read.
Meanwhile, Dutere said Pacquiao was right in defending Philippine National Police director general Ronald “Bato” Rosa, who is now in hot water for his all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas.
“Tama iyong pagdepensa mo kay Bato,” Duterte told Pacquaio.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has ordered a probe on Dela Rosa for possible violation of Presidential Decree 46 (PD 46) and Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees after the PNP chief accepted an invitation from Pacquaio to watch his recent fight with Mexican-American Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas.
PD 46 and RA 6713 prohibits public officials from accepting gifts.
But according to the president, “there is no criminal liability” on the part of the PNP chief.
He told the senator that what he donated was his skill and that his expenses was commensurate to his wealth.
“It is a donation… skill. Iyong (expenses) kaya mo man, commensurate to wealth… ang binayaran para mapanood ka,” said Duterte.
The post Pacquiao Pays Courtesy Call to Duterteappeared Manila Bulletin
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