Palaro participants miss Pacquiao fight, favor his retirement

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Athletes, officials, and just about everyone involved in the 2016 Palarong Pambansa expressed delight upon hearing that Manny Pacquiao won via a unanimous decision against American boxer Timothy Bradley Jr on Sunday, April 10 (Saturday, April 9 in the US) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA.

But for them, the Pambansang Kamao’s triumph is bittersweet because they were not able to watch the fight live via the television – they were all preparing for the Palaro opening ceremonies, also happening Sunday. (WATCH: Pacquiao knocks Bradley down twice)

They are disappointed they missed what could be Pacquiao’s last fight as the 8-time division champion announced his retirement. He earlier said he now plans to go into politics full time, and is currently running for a Senate seat in the May 9 national elections.

Last year, Pacquiao’s fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. also coincided with the Palarong Pambansa in Tagum, Davao del Norte.

Back then, there was a public viewing event of the fight, and organizers even stopped some of the sporting events so all delegates could watch the game. (VLOG: Pacquiao still a winner to folks at Palaro)

Unfortunately, none of that was held here in Legazpi as everyone was busy preparing for the opening ceremonies. This is the first time Albay is hosting the biggest annual sporting competition under the Department of Education (DepEd).

“Yun nga ang masaklap ma’am eh, nanalo siya pero di namin napanood kasi nandito kami (That’s what makes it unfortunate ma’am because he won but we were not able to watch it because we are here),” said SPO2 Cesar Templonuevo, one of the police officers tasked to ensure the security of the participants for the afternoon’s opening ceremonies.

As happy as Templonuevo was over Pacquiao’s win, he said Pacquiao should seriously retire from boxing in favor of his senatorial bid.

“Okay lang sa akin na tatakbo siya sa Senado pero dapat hindi na siya maglalaro. Dapat iisa lang, kasi legislation yung tinatakbuhan niya, dapat mag-concentrate na siya doon,” Templonuevo added.

(It is fine with me if he runs for the Senate, but he should no longer fight. He should only choose just one because he is getting into the legislation. He should concentrate on that.)

Mary Grace Cortez and Joseph Pesito, who man Milo booths that give out free drinks to everyone, said they were hoping and expecting Pacquiao’s win. Both also agree that Pacquiao should already retire.

For Cortez, Pacquiao has nothing else to prove and has already earned so much money. Pesito, on the other hand, said it is only right that Pacquiao retire now and end his career with a bang by winning his last match.

However, Pesito does not agree that Pacquiao should run for the Senate, saying the Filipino boxing icon does not have enough educational background to cope with the role of being a senator.

Jade Esmael, a member of the Soccsksargen secondary basketball team, said Pacquiao could do whatever he wants and they would still support him because he has continued to help them.

Calabarzon team manager Enelyn Badillo likewise agrees. She said Pacquiao should run because he said he wants to continue helping people, and so far he has been able to do that as a member of Congress. – Rappler.com