Bishop takes jab at Pacquiao for 'conflict of interest'

On the eve of his much-hyped fight with Antonio Margarito, Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao received a jab from a Catholic bishop over his "conflict of interest." Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said the time Pacquiao spent in training was at the expense of serving his consituents as congressman. “There is a conflict of interest because he is in Las Vegas when he is supposed to be here," Gutierrez said in an article posted Saturday on the Union of Catholic Asian News website. "It’s really a big hindrance. How can you serve full time if you are practicing because your focus is boxing?" he added. Pacquiao is to face Margarito on Sunday (Manila time) for the World Boxing Council super welterweight title in Arlington, Texas. On the other hand, Gutierrez said he "understands" why Pacquiao is pushing through with the match. “I understand he is raising money to put up a hospital in Sarangani," he said. Meanwhile, Gutierrez twitted anew lawmakers going to the United States to watch Pacquiao's bout, saying the money they spent for the trip could have gone to their constituents. But Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone defended lawmakers who will attend Pacquiao’s fight. “I see nothing wrong with the congressmen watching to show their moral support… especially that they are not using government money," Evardone said. “It’s not only Pacquiao’s title that is at stake but our country," he added. — LBG, GMANews.TV