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Politics mar Pacquiao motorcade in Manila


While the "people's champ" insists he will never be used by unscrupulous politicians, local candidates in the upcoming May polls tried to get a share of the limelight during the victory motorcade of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao in Manila City. Wearing a red cap, pink long-sleeved polo and khaki pants, Pacquiao was welcomed with fireworks and confetti by the residents of the areas they visited. However, campaign materials of administration candidates in Manila were also distributed during the ticker tape parade. Pacquiao's float was also noticeably covered with campaign posters while the candidates' vehicles blared campaign jingles. Joining Pacquiao on board the float were Manila mayoral candidate Arnold "Ali" Atienza, runningmate Don Bagatsing as well as bets of the Buhayin ang Maynila (Give Life to Manila) party. The boxing champ, for his part, seemed unmindful of the politicians around him as he waved to the cheering fans and tossed T-shirts and candies to the fans who waited for a glimpse of him. Policemen had appealed to the public, especially children, to keep a safe distance from the float. At a press conference shortly before the parade started, Pacquiao denied that politicians were pulling his strings. "You can't say that they are using me. We have been sticking it out with each other for some time now," he said, flanked by outgoing Mayor Lito Atienza and local bets during a press conference at the Manila City Hall. Pacquiao knocked out Mexican fighter Jorge Solis last Sunday (Manila time) in eight rounds, handing his taller opponent the first loss of the latter's career. Meanwhile at the Divisoria flea markets, Pacquiao's fans poured out into the streets causing a slight stall to business. As of posting time, the motorcade which started at Manila City Hall has passed through Quiapo, Recto, Divisoria, Delpan, and Tondo. The motorcade is expected to traverse 37 sites and end at Manila Zoo. - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV

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