Arroyo to lead hero's welcome for Pacquiao

A grand hero's welcome at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila awaits Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao upon his return to Manila on Friday. No less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo would lead the grand welcome during the "Parangal Kay Manny Pacquiao sa Luneta (Tribute to Pacquiao at Luneta)" Friday afternoon, a Malacañang statement said. Last Sunday, Pacquiao pummeled Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto and won the World Boxing Organization welterweight title in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao has also won world championships in the flyweight (112 pounds), super bantamweight (122 lb), featherweight (126 lb), super featherweight (130 lb), lightweight (135 lb), and light welterweight (140 lb) divisions. The Palace said the event is a collaboration of government agencies such as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Department of Public Works and Highways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Office of the President. Solar Entertainment will show a replay of Pacquiao's victory over Cotto on several large television screens around the Quirino Grandstand. Highlighting the event is President Arroyo's conferment of the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Katangiang Ginto) on Pacquiao for having won an unprecedented seventh title. President Arroyo designated Philippine Sports Commission Chairperson Harry Angping as head of the official ceremonies. - GMANews.TV