Pacquiao victory a ‘saving grace’ - Ermita

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Sunday hailed the victory of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao as a “saving grace" amid all the political and economic turmoil that has been beleaguering the country. In an interview with radio dzBB, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the victory of Pacquiao came at the right time as it boosts the Filipinos’ morale in these trying times. “Sa kabila ng problem ng ating bansa meron tayong saving grace, yung winnings ni Pacquiao always come at a proper rime. (In the middle of the all our country’s problems we had a saving grace. Pacquiao’s winning always come at a proper time.) Suddenly the morale of the Filipino was pushed by the victory of Pacquiao" Ermita said. Ermita also said that President Arroyo is happy that Pacquiao reasserted his supremacy in the boxing ring. “Siyempre galak na galak si Pangulong Arroyo (Of course, the President is happy about this)," he said. "Suddenly the morale of the Filipino people is promptly boosted by the victory of the idol Manny Pacquiao," Ermita added. But Ermita said he was not surprised with Pacquiao's victory, saying Pacquiao was more "active" than dela Hoya, having come from a bout only a few months back. Ermita also said the Palace has started preparing for a hero's welcome for Pacquiao, through Environment secretary and former Manila mayor Jose Atienza Jr. Atienza, Pacquiao's patron when he was starting out in boxing, is now with Pacquiao's camp in the United States. "Kasama ni Pacquiao ang kaibigan of long standing na si former mayor Atienza na member ng Cabinet. Siguro makakatulong yan sa arrangement ng call kay presidente maging maayos (With Pacquiao in the US now is former mayor Atienza, who is now a member of the Cabinet. He will help in the arrangements)," Ermita said. - GMANews.TV