Bishop Says Politicians' Las Vegas Visit a Waste

UCAN (12 November) -- The money spent by 50 politicians flying to the United States to watch Filipino boxing icon Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao meet Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito on Oct. 14 would be better spent on the poor, a Catholic bishop says.

Pacquiao, a member of the House of Representatives after winning in the May 2010 elections, was also letting down his constituents by not giving them his full attention, said Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez.

“It’s really a big hindrance. How can you serve full time if you are practicing because your focus is boxing?” the bishop said.

He said the amount of time the boxer spends in training reduced the time he should be serving the people. “There is a conflict of interest because he is in Las Vegas when he is supposed to be here,” Bishop Gutierrez said.

But the bishop said it’s up to Pacquaio to decide whether to quit boxing or not.

“It’s up to him,” he said, adding that he understands why Pacquiao wants to fight and win his match with Margarito.

“I understand he is raising money to put up a hospital in Sarangani,” the bishop said.

Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone defended lawmakers who will attend Pacquiao’s fight.

“I see nothing wrong with the congressmen watching to show their moral support… especially that they are not using government money,” Evardone said.

“It’s not only Pacquiao’s title that is at stake but our country,” he said.

Pacquiao will fight Margarito on Saturday for the super welterweight championship at Dallas’Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Pacquiao is a seven-division world champion, the first boxer in history to win nine world titles in seven different weight divisions. He is also the first boxer in history to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes.