All systems go for Pacquiao's Metro Manila victory parade

(Updated 9:38 a.m.) MANILA, Philippines - After a three-day delay due to typhoon "Emong," it was all systems go Monday for the victory motorcade of Filipino boxing icon Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao in Metro Manila. Radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported that a float that was to carry Pacquiao was adorned with 15 Philippine flags and posters bearing Pacquiao slogans. The posters bear these slogans: "Pilipino ang lahi ko - Manny Pacquiao ... Maka-Diyos, maka-tao, makakalikasan, makabansa [I am a Filipino - Pacquiao ... Pro-God, pro-Filipino, pro-nature, pro-country.] Some of the placards bore images of the fight between Pacquiao and British fighter Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas last May 3 (Manila time). The float and other vehicles taking part in the motorcade were parked in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources office in Quezon City early Monday. The motorcade started shortly before 9 a.m. As of this posting time, Pacquiao’s float is now at Sta. Mesa, Manila. Radio dzBB reported that residents at the area went on a stand still to greet the boxing idol. The float was likewise showered with confetti, the report added. The motorcade was to pass through key areas in Metro Manila before Pacquiao was to receive a grand welcome at Malacañang and have lunch with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Earlier in the day, Pacquiao’s arrival at the DENR was greeted with screaming posters bearing the inscriptions "Mabuhay ang kampeon Manny Pacquiao [Long Live Manny Pacquiao, the Champion.]" DENR Secretary Jose “Lito" Atienza Jr., an avid supporter of the boxing idol, arrived early at the DENR headquarters. Representatives from foreign media outfits including Cable News Network (CNN) and Reuters were present at the event, the report said. Postponed Earlier, health officials "cleared" Pacquiao to hold his parade Monday, after the Health department asked him to quarantine himself for five days upon arrival as a precaution against the A(H1N1) virus. Despite the Health department's pleas, Pacquiao pushed through with his plan to return early to the country from the United States last Friday. Pacquiao earlier said he saw no reason to postpone his return to the Philippines because no one among Team Pacquiao displayed symptoms of the dreaded virus, which are similar to typical fly symptoms like fever, aches, fatigue, cough and colds. On May 3, the boxing champ clinched the IBO welterweight title from British slugger Ricky Hatton in a stunning knockout victory, which sealed Pacquiao’s status as the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter. - with a report from Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV