Pacquiao returns home promising to help Philippines

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao returned to the Philippines yesterday, fresh from his latest victory in the ring, saying he would now focus on fighting poverty in the political arena.

Speaking at a courtesy call with President Benigno Aquino, Pacquiao, 31, said that he would help the country as a congressman after winning a historic eighth world title.

“I don’t want to say I will retire (from boxing.) There are still some fights in my future, but for now, let us forget boxing and focus on service... especially helping those in my district,” Pacquiao told reporters.

Pacquiao, who was elected congressman of the impoverished southern province of Sarangani in May, brushed aside questions he would some day run for president.

“I am not that ambitious. That is not in my thoughts now. My work is as a congressman, that is my focus,” he replied.

In a joint press conference with President Aquino, Pacquiao said he was willing to serve as a “poster boy” for the country’s tourism industry and in peace talks with Muslim separatist rebels in the south, where he is held in high regard.

However, Aquino said the government did not want to ask too much of the boxing hero, who won the WBC super welterweight title by beating Mexican Antonio Margarito in Texas on November 13.

“We have too many tasks for Manny,” Aquino laughed.

Pacquiao said he would attend the next sessions of the House of Representatives tomorrow before returning to the south.

He said he was serious about bringing development and investment to Sarangani after his boxing fame helped him get elected congressman in recent elections.