Friends should advise Pacquiao how to handle latest controversy

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said a member of Team Pacquiao should advise Manny Pacquiao on how to handle the controversies that are hounding the Filipino boxing icon. Ermita said that Pacquiao is not only a Filipino superstar but also an international icon where everything he does or say is under the close scrutiny of everyone. He added that Filipinos are being recognized more because of Pacquiao’s achievements, the latest of which is winning a record seventh world title. “I don’t want to be the adviser of Manny Pacquiao, (but) somebody should remind him about it (controversies) but don’t get it from me… He is a national icon, everything you say about him is very touchy," he said. Pacquiao, who has also joined the movie industry, is being linked to actress Krista Ranillo who was allegedly seen with him while attending some business engagements in the US prior to his fight with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto. Prior to rumors linking Pacquiao to Ranillo, who is also in the film “Wapakman" top-billed by the Filipino boxer, the boxing champ had also been linked to Ara Mina, another sexy actress. Ermita, the Lakas-Kampi National Advisory Council chairman, also said that Pacquiao is welcome to join the party if ever the boxing champion decides to push through with his plans for next year's elections. Ermita said Pacquiao would be be an asset in whatever elective position he would handle. “Definitely he is an asset kung tatakbo siya, whatever position pero kung tatakbo siyang pagka-senador baka ma-disqualify, bata pa e," said Ermita during the Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats national convention at the PICC in Pasay City. He, however, said Pacquiao is welcome to join the Lakas-Kampi party if he pushes through with his plans to run for Saranggani’s congressional seat. Pacquiao in 2007 ran for lone district of General Santos City under the Liberal Party-Lito Atienza wing but lost to Rep. Darlene Antonio-Custodio. – GMANews.TV