Sarangani province Congressman-elect and 7-division world champion Manny Pacquiao met with incoming President Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III of the Liberal Party on Tuesday night.
The Filipino boxing icon and Aquino had a 30 to 45-minute meeting at the Aquino family residence along Times Street in West Triangle, Quezon City.
This was confirmed by Atty. Edwin Lacierda, Aquino's campaign spokesperson. He said the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion was accompanied by his wife, Jinkee.
“He paid a courtesy call to the President-apparent,” said Lacierda. “Nag-usap lang sila and to assure him that he will have the support of a Congressman Pacquiao in the House [of Representatives].”
The meeting was cordial as Pacquiao shared with Aquino his plans for Sarangani as the province's lone representative.
“Parang magkaibigan sila ni Sen. Aquino, mabait, maayos ang pag-uusap,” said Lacierda.
Although both congratulated each other for their victories in the recent elections, they never talked about the election campaign where they were in opposing camps.
“Forward looking lahat ng pag-uusap,” said Lacierda.
Aquino’s running mate Sen. Mar Roxas later joined the meeting. He even sought Pacquiao’s autograph.
“Nag-usap kami mga 45 minutes… okay naman,” Pacquiao told ABS-CBN's Dyan Castillejo in a telephone interview. “Kuwentuhan lang paano tutulungan ang bayan.”
Pacquiao's agenda
On Tuesday, Pacquiao told reporters in Manila that he had several projects in mind for his province and the country.
He also said he wants to help the Philippines win its first Olympic gold medal. He also wants to provide livelihood programs to fishermen and farmers in Sarangani Province.
Pacquiao had supported one of Aquino’s rivals, Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar, Jr, in the May 10 presidential elections.
During the campaign, a television advertisement for Villar even featured Pacquiao alluding to Aquino's lackluster record as 3-term congressman and senator.
This caused some friction in his friendship with Noynoy’s sister, actress and television host Kris Aquino.
But Kris announced Tuesday night that she had made up with the pound-for-pound king.
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