COMPROMISE SHOULD BE REACHED IN PACQUIAO FIGHT - MARCOS

Vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. today said a compromise should be reached to resolve the issue involving Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao over his fight against American Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas this April.

He said those calling for the postponement of the fight should remember that it is an international sports event and Pacquiao is not only fighting for himself but for the country.

"He is Manny Pacquiao, he is a sports champion, he is our champion. He brought a great deal of honor to the Philippines, I think we should allow him to continue doing it," Marcos said.

The senator further said if the fight could not be postponed, there should be a way for all parties to reach a compromise so as not to deprive the Filipino people of the chance to watch the event.

"We should find a compromise. This is a gray area so the Filipino people can enjoy watching our champion fight and bring honor to the country but at the same time not put the other senatorial candidates at a disadvantage," Marcos said.

Several individuals have asked the Commission on Elections to compel Pacquiao to postpone the fight saying it gives him undue advantage over his rivals in the senatorial race. The Comelec has ordered the famous boxer to comment on the petition.

Marcos, however, noted that there was a similar incident when Pacquiao was first running for the House of Representatives and he had a scheduled international fight. "I remember there were moves to postpone or stop its showing and initially it was decided that the bout would not be shown in General Santos where he was running but before the fight, it was allowed to be broadcast," he stressed.

Marcos added that while he understands the legal repercussions of proceeding with the fight, he said people should wait for the Comelec resolution. But he added a win-win solution should be reached to make sure all rights are protected.

"I understand all the concerns and of course we have to weigh the points of everyone but we have to remember that Pacquiao will be representing the country in that fight and there should be a way for all of us to support him," he said.