Athletes’ group eyes Pacman for partylist

Boxing icon Manny “Pacman" Pacquiao is being wooed by the athletes group to be one of their nominees under the Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA). Orly Castelo, spokesman of PBA, said they have already spoken to Pacquiao and is just waiting for his decision. “There is an ongoing negotiation right now with Manny," Castelo told reporters before he and members of PBA lodged their manifestation to participate Saturday afternoon. Castelo, former coach of Tanduay Rum, said they wanted Pacquiao to be one of their nominees and the voice of athletes who had been neglected by the government. He said former basketball stars Jerry Codiñera and Alvin Patrimonio will be joining the group. Aside from proper compensation and benefits for the national athletes, Castelo said their group would also push for the putting up of a hospital for the sportsmen and to give them also 20 percent discount in their medicines and other basic commodities. Basketball players from the popular Ginebra team such as Ronald Magtulis, Merwin Castelo, Cris Bolado and Terry Saldana trooped to Comelec to show support for PBA. Castelo said their accreditation was approved last month by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). They field their registration in September. Castelo, on the other hand, is confident that Pacquiao will give his nod to their offer and be one of their nominees. “We are meeting Pacquiao and we hope to convince him," Castelo said. Pacquiao last Friday signed with the Liberal party wing of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza instead of joining the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino party of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.- GMANews.TV