Lawmakers defend colleagues watching Pacquiao fight in Dallas

Lawmakers on Friday defended their colleagues who will be watching the World Boxing Council bout of Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao against Antonio Margarito in Dallas, Texas on Sunday (Manila time). In a text message to GMANews.TV, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said he sees nothing wrong with lawmakers going to Dallas to witness Pacquiao’s fight as long as they use their own money for the trip and stay in the Unites States. “I see absolutely nothing wrong with it. Buti nga they are there for moral support. As long as their going there is not on government expense," he said. On Thursday, Belmonte's office released the names of 14 House members who left the country for the US. It was not clear if they will be watching the Pacquiao-Margarito fight. Pacquiao's fight against Margarito is slated on November 13, Saturday (November 14, Sunday in Manila) at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Pacquiao reportedly offered to pay for the tickets and accommodations of his fellow lawmakers who want go there and watch his fight. Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said Filipinos who go out of their way to support Pacquiao, who is a national pride, should be admired. “Manny has brought honor and pride to our country. He deserves all kinds of support. It is not only Manny’s title that is at stake but our country. I see nothing wrong with congressmen watching the Pacquiao fight to show their moral support to a colleague and a kababayan," he said. Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles expressed hope the presence of his colleagues during the fight will bring good luck to Pacquiao. “They’re there to support a colleague, a fellow member of the House of Representatives, in what could well be his last professional fight. Rep. Manny Pacquiao is representing our country in this historic battle. So we wish them well and hope that they serve as good luck to our People’s Champ," the lawmaker said. Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara said there’s no problem with lawmakers going to Dallas to the fight “as long as they don’t miss too many session days and don’t affect the quorum… then, House business won’t be affected too much," he said. Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla said the entire House should not be condemned for the decision of some of their colleagues to watch the fight. “Mas marami pa rin naman ang natirang congressmen dito para ituloy ang trabaho sa House. May mga kasamahan din ako na nabigyan ng travel authority pero hindi tumuloy dahil may gagawing trabaho dito," she said. She added lawmakers who decided to stay in the country will watch the fight with their constituents to show their support to Pacquiao. Even party-list lawmakers, Gabriela Rep Luzviminda Ilagan and Buhay Rep Irwin Tieng, see no problems with congressmen watching Pacquiao’s fight in the US. “If they are going to spend their own money and they want to show support for Rep Manny, there’s no problem so long as they are back in time for session," Ilagan said in a text message to GMANews.TV. In a separate text message, Tieng said, “I think it is okay as long as they don’t use government funds and they won’t be absent during the plenary sessions." On the other hand, Paranaque Rep. Roilo Golez gave his fearless forecast on the upcoming fight. “I believe with Pacquiao’s speed, punching power, stamina and ability to deliver non-stop, vicious combinations, he will knock out Margarito in six rounds or less. That’s assuming Margarito doesn’t run like Miguel Coto or cover up like Joshua Clottey." Representatives who were given travel permits to the US were:

• Peter Unabia (Misamis Oriental), Nov 9-20;
• Patricio Antonio (Agbiag partylist), Nov 9-20;
• Cesar Jalosjos (Zamboanga del Norte), Nov 11-15; 

• Dakila Carlo Cua (Quirino), Nov 10-22;
• Mark Villar (Las Pinas), Nov 11-15;
• Gina De Venecia (Pangasinan), Nov 8-14;
• Amado Bagatsing (Manila), Nov 10-20;
• Rodel Batocabe (Ako Bicol), Nov 9-16;
• Alfredo Garbin Jr (Ako Bicol), Nov. 11-19;
• Joel Roy Duavit (Rizal), Nov. 2-15;
• Roberto Puno (Antipolo City), Nov 10-17; 

• Alfredo Benitez (Negros Occidental), Nov 8-17;
• Renato Unico (Camarines Norte), Nov 8-19;
• Cherry Umali (Nueva Ecija), Nov. 12-22.

Rep. Duavit said he was not able to leave the country as he was sick. Earlier, Speaker Belmonte said about 50 House lawmakers will be out of the country on the week of Pacquiao's fight. "So far there were something like, I would say maximum of 50, maybe less than that I have approved, given travel authority," Belmonte said in an interview with reporters on November 4. He clarified the travel permits he signed included trips of the lawmakers "all over the world, mainly Asian countries. "I wouldn't be surprised if some of those who said they're going to be in the United States will eventually end up in the Pacquiao fight," he said. He earlier clarified that lawmakers are allowed to watch Pacquiao’s fight provided that they will use their personal money and will not get funds from the House. Those who will skip the session will be marked absent, he said. The House has 278 members. House accounts committee chairman Florencio Noel confirmed that no congressman asked or was given fund for their US travel. — LBG, GMANews.TV