PACQUIAO SKIPS TRAINING

Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao flew in from General Santos City yesterday and reportedly accompanied Ilocos Sur governor and administration senatorial candidate Chavit Singson and PBA party list leader Jerry Codi?era to the headquarter of the Iglesia Ni Kristo in Quezon City.

The group met with Arnel Tumanan, a spokesman for the head of the INK and handed a letter seeking the support of the church for the Pwersa ng Bayan sa Athleta and its endorsement in the May elections and provided the INK with a rundown of its plans and programs for what Codi?era said were “the marginalized athletes” in the country.

It is customary during elections for candidates for public office to pay their respects to the head of the INK and to seek the endorsement of the church which is believed to vote as one for candidates endorsed by the hierarchy.

The moving spirit behind the PBA, former superstar Codi?era said Pacquiao had committed his all-out support to the party list group while governor Singson promised to provide support in the Ilocos region.

Codi?era disclosed Pacquiao told him he “wants to concentrate on boxing” at the present time and would be leaving for the US on March 5 to continue preparations for his April 14 bout against undefeated but unknown Jorge Solis of Mexico at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas. However, Codi?era said Pacquiao did not indicate whether he would postpone plans to seek a congressional seat from South Cotabato in the May elections or follow the advice of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and many others who have suggested that he concentrate on his ring career and seek office in 2010.