By Lilybeth G.`Ison
MANILA, Sept. 2 — Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said on Thursday the House of Representatives will not mind if Philippine boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao will be absent from the chamber for the promotional tour of his upcoming fight.
Pacquiao, also called "Pacman," has a fight slated on November 13 against Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito.
Despite the absence of Pacquiao from House sessions, Belmonte believes that the Pambansang Kamao is still doing the nation an important service as he represents the Philippines in the world boxing arena.
"It’s a terrific thing and I don’t think anybody will ever blame Manny for being absent at that time. He is doing great service to the country nonetheless," said Belmonte in his weekly press conference.
Belmonte said Pacquiao’s absence will be recorded but will not be taken against him. He (Pacquiao) will also be receiving his salary and allowances.
Despite being a neophyte lawmaker, Pacquiao has been religiously attending the House sessions and has delivered two privilege speeches — on the poverty in his hometown and how he intends to solve it, and against human trafficking.
He left for the United States over the weekend to start training for his bout with the Mexican boxer but is expected to return to the country before his formal training starts on September 20.
"A few days there doesn’t matter. He is serving even if he is there. He is serving the country and even the House," the Speaker said.
Belmonte said he is planning to go to Dallas on November 13 to watch the fight as an expression of support for a colleague.
Meanwhile, Negros Oriental Rep, Jules Ledesma, one of the congressmen with the most number of absences in the previous Congress, is now making an effort to show up.
"He made a point the other day to show up in the House, nahuli daw siya ng dating but he went to see me at my office. Na-late daw siya sa roll call and he just wanted to say that he made an effort to come," Belmonte said when asked about Ledesma. (PNA)
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