Opposition backs airing of Pacquiao-Solis match

The Genuine Opposition said Tuesday it "unqualifiedly supports" the airing of Manny Pacquiao's bout against Jorge Solis of Mexico in April, despite the fact that the boxing champion is running for a congressional seat in the May 14 elections. "It is nothing short of a right for Filipino sports fans to see Pacquiao's fight. We join the Filipino people in hoping for his victory and for him to bring glory once more to flag and country," GO spokesman Adel Tamano said in a statement. Pacquiao, the country's most popular sports icon, is an administration-backed candidate for Representative of the the 1st District of South Cotabato, which will pit him against incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio, the opposition's bet. The Pacquiao-Solis bout is set in Texas on April 15 (April 14 in the United States). The bout will be aired live in the Philippines over GMA-7 and Solar Sports. In the same statement, GO reiterated its support for Antonino-Custodio whom it said "is better qualified as a lawmaker to serve the country than Pacquiao, the politician." The opposition also warned against the airing of Pacquiao's election campaign advertisements during the bout's broadcast. "The airing of Pacquiao's campaign advertisements during the broadcast of the fight itself should not be allowed and would run counter to standing Commission on Elections guidelines on the matter," Tamano said. -GMANews.TV