MANILA, Philippines—The House of Representatives will hold a “second session”—actually an exclusive victory bash for Congressman and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao—on Monday at his supposedly favorite Philippine casino.
“All congressmen are invited and most of us will go,” according to one southern Philippines lawmaker, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak for Pacquiao.
The regular House session starts at 4 p.m. and the lawmaker expects the proceedings to adjourn early to allow them to go to the dinner party.
Pacquiao’s party has been booked at the fine dining Chinese restaurant at Maxims Tower at the Resorts World Manila (RWM) entertainment complex in Pasay City, which can hold up to 60 10-seater tables.
The source said RWM would foot the bill. Pacquiao is claimed to be a regular at the all-suite casino hotel, where he is regarded as one of its high-rollers.
This would be the second time for Pacquiao to hold a victory party exclusively for his peers in Congress. He held a similar event in May in the same venue after his one-sided win over Shane Mosley.
One lawmaker interviewed by the Inquirer swore he would not attend another Pacquiao party because of what he called his bad experience the first time.
Never again
The lawmaker said almost all of the representatives were in the restaurant by 7:30 p.m. but Pacquiao’s staff refused to have dinner served until the boxer arrived. He said Pacquiao arrived close to 9 p.m. and most congressmen were forced to order food at their own expense because they were too hungry to wait.
“Never again,” said the lawmaker.
Pacquiao’s latest ring victory, an unconvincing 12-round decision over Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez two weeks ago, was not embraced by his adoring Filipino fans as much as they did in his previous conquests, which could explain the lack of fanfare, at least in Metro Manila, on his return home.
Pacquiao flew in quietly last Monday, more than a week after the Marquez fight. It was the first time that no victory parade was organized in the capital, or a courtesy call made at the Palace, upon his return from a fight, which probably reflected what many Filipinos felt about the fight.
Comfort from peers
Except for visiting the Quiapo Church, Pacquiao kept a low-profile in Metro Manila, although his constituents in Sarangani province held a motorcade for him.
Pacquiao has apparently turned to his peers in Congress for comfort—lawmakers were effusive in their praises for the former pandesal vendor and vigorous in defending him against his critics.
Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing, chair of the House committee on games and amusement, confirmed the victory bash would start at 7 p.m.
“It will be hosted again by Resorts World and Manny Pacquiao’s condition was that he would invite all members of Congress and media,” Bagatsing said in a text message.
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