If you think some smart alec of the alleyway said that, think again.
Manny said that.
Yes, the Manny – the world famous pugilist from General Santos City who moved to Sarangani to become the province’s representative in Congress. Properly, he is now The Honorable Gentleman from Sarangani.
“Itanong mo sa lolo mong panot,” was his response to a twitter follower who asked why he was not present to vote on the issue of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez’s impeachment. According to reports, the boxing champ was in Baguio City as he was training for his May 7 fight against Shane Mosely.
Talk about conflict of interest. An elected official’s job is not a 9 to 5; it is a 24/7 job. Think about that.
What prompted the twit from a fan was Paquiao’s previous twit proclaiming that he’s vote is a “NO”, meaning that he was against the move to impeach the Ombudsman. Understandably so, since the world renowned boxer is former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyos’s ally and that Gutierrez is Arroyo’s goalkeeper in the catch-me-if-you-can corruption game.
The impeachment hearing is considered a historic event in Philippine politics because of its implications. Except for staunch Gloria and Mike Arroyo allies, everybody in the Philippines and Filipinos outside of the republic believe that this Ombudsman is there to protect GMA and her cohorts from being prosecuted once she’s gone from office. This Ombudsman’s record points to that.
Being so, ousting this current Ombudsman, will make prosecution of past corrupt government officials easier. We must remember that the Aquino campaign was run under the anti-corruption banner – walang mahirap kung walang corrupt.
Personally, I am in no position to condemn the Honorable Manny Paquiao’s NO impeachment vote, specially so that I am thousands of miles away from where all of these are happening, and who knows he may be only expressing the will of his constituents. He may vote whichever way he wants but a legitimate question such as that of the twitter deserves a dignified answer and not refer the questioner to his balding grandpa (lolong panot).
Talk about arrogance; not to mention bad manners. On a happy note, though, the YES votes trampled the NO votes overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives – 212 Yes, 46 No, with 4 abstentions.
I also have nothing against the champ’s English. For me it is not the issue and for those make it an issue just because they speak better English is another example of arrogance, not to mention a colonial mindset. But that’s another story.
One report said that Congressman Paquiao closed his Twitter account to erase the above conversation thread. Below is a blog thread, as is, unedited:
Last week, boxing champ Manny Pacquiao slammed grammar critics on Twitter, reports ABS-CBN News.
“Its doesn’t matter of the grammar as long they understand the message thanks.” (Manny P.)
He added that Filipinos should be proud of the Filipino language. “Tyong lhat pinoy ang slita ntin ay tgalog we should use our language we’re nt american, jpan,chna,atbp. They’re using there own language… We should proud in our language that’s the real pinoy yan ang tama thank you God Bless everyone.”
Pacquiao opened a Twitter account last month that he almost shut down a few weeks ago because of grammar critics, according to ABS-CBN News.
The Fighter of the Decade also blasted the fake Twitter accounts claiming to be his mother Dionisia last week. “Sorry but Mommy D don’t have twitter account so please stop pretending that you’re mommy mahiya naman kayo na gumagamit ng iba thank you.”
Mr. Pacquiao, God doesn’t give us everything. But He gave you an incredible strength and speed. He also endowed you with good luck and you were able to build your fortune. I know you are a good son, a good person and a good Samaritan. If your English is not good, if people slam you because of your handicap in English please do not get irritated. Even highly educated people are with weaknesses. My only suggestion is that you should stop talking the language you are not comfortable. The problem with you you try so hard to talk in English and even use too much “YOU KNOW” which is very awkward to hear. If you are proud of Tagalog, then use it. But why not Bisaya. Ako nadako ko diri sa Manila ug diri na mi napuyo. Pero kay taga Mindanao man ang akong inahan ug kabalo man sya mag-binisaya kaya maski bali bali ang akong Bisaya sigi lang ko mo sulti ug Bisaya. Mag Binisaya na lang ta Idol…man lami pa. May God grant you all the strength you need. You are needed by many, you are an inspiration. (Comment 1)
The issue at hand is not how Pacquiao english language is broken but how he handles himself with self respect.. for how can a supposed honorable answered people in rude manner without any consideration that he is supposed to be honorable but he did not realize afterall. He felt sorry iwhen interviewed but the damaged had been done. He is exposed to ridicule as well as the people of Saranggani who elected someone as dimwitted and a seeming naive or just plain stupid. People , please separate your bias from idolizing this man and from knowing we truly deserve legislators who valued honor, dignity, self respect, and courtesy.” (Comment 2)
And there you have it. Meanwhile the fight is in the ring is not yet over: Pacman or Mosley?
Congratulations to the family of Pidoy and Ting Pacis for the huge success of the Max Chicken Grand Opening on March 19. It was well attended and superbly executed. The entire family including sons Clyde, Christian, and Ron are clearly working hard to have this first Max franchise in Canada be true to the name Max Chicken of Manila. This column joins all Filipinos in the GTA in welcoming you with pride.