Pacquiao ponders ring retirement, political plans after loss

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Manny Pacquiao sounded like a fighter on his way out and a politician on his way up.

He might have concealed his battered face behind big sunglasses, but Pacquiao didn’t hide behind excuses or denial after a discouraging unanimous-decision loss to Yordenis Ugás on Saturday night.

Yes, Pacquiao disclosed that his legs cramped throughout the fight on the Vegas Strip, depriving him of the mobility that has always made his power so dangerous.

The eight-division world champion still acknowledged the larger fact that was obvious even to most of his devoted fans around the world: He deserved his loss to Ugás, a talented opponent who probably wouldn’t have been much trouble for prime Pacman.

And that might be a good reason to walk away.

“This sport is my passion,” Pacquiao said. “That’s why I’m still here fighting at the age of 42. I’m enjoying it, but sometimes you have to think about the response of your body. ... My mind, my heart, it’s 100%. But my legs were cramping.”

In the moments after he returned from a two-year ring absence with the loss to the rangy, resilient Ugás, Pacquiao repeatedly hinted he is planning to retire from boxing.

He is still alongside Canelo Álvarez as the two biggest active stars in the sport, yet Pacquiao (67-8-2) has never spoken so frankly about leaving behind 26 years in the pro fight game.

“I’ve done a lot for boxing, and boxing has done a lot for me,” Pacquiao said. “I look forward to spending a lot of time thinking about my future in boxing.”

Pacquiao’s postfight comments included a sprinkling of such catchy, pre-written phrases — sort of like a stump speech by a politician.

Indeed, the Filipino senator’s next fight is probably in the political ring: He is widely expected to enter the presidential race in the Philippines next month ahead of the May 2022 election.

“In my heart, I want to continue to fight,” Pacquiao said. “But the thing is, I also have to consider my body. I’ve put it through a lot of things. Especially back in my country, there’s a lot of things that I need to accomplish to help people. I want to be an inspiration to the Philippine people inside and outside the ring.”

Countless athletes have struggled mightily to find worthwhile ways to fill their time after retirement. That wouldn’t be a problem for Pacquiao: His chaotic life won’t get less busy, but it could be a bit more focused with only one career to consider.

If Pacquiao retires, he leaves boxing as one of the greats of his generation. Along with his stunning array of championship belts and his groundbreaking mobility across the sport’s weight classes, Pacquiao will be remembered for his utter fearlessness in taking on countless larger foes without blinking.

Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s devoted trainer for most of the past two decades, acknowledged being “a little worried” about the champ.

“He’s boxed for a long time, and he’s the best guy I’ve ever had,” Roach said. “The best guy, the best fighter. I hate to see the day when he retires, but this could be it. We’ll see what Manny decides.”

Another scenario seems equally plausible at this point: Pacquiao doesn’t win the presidency in nine months — he is behind several candidates in early polling — and he subsequently gets a highly lucrative opportunity to return to the ring late next year, when he will be nearly 44.

Given Pacquiao’s competitive nature and his relatively expensive lifestyle, his self-awareness could be overcome by the rewards of the fight game.

But in the moments after this cramping, frustrated great lost for the first time in four years, Pacquiao was thinking deeply about both his current state and future priorities.

“This situation might finish my career in boxing,” Pacquiao said. “But this is my statement to all the boxing fans all over the world: The most important thing is how we can help each other, especially in this pandemic.”

-Associated Press-

Mayweather touts advantages vs. Pacquiao

American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. opened as the favorite against Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao ahead of their highly anticipated May 2 showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The American believes he deserves that distinction, noting the physical advantages he has over the "Pacman."

"When you just look at the tale of the tape, I have a longer reach, I'm taller, I'm stronger, and I'm more accurate," he told Fight Hype.

The Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown will feature a clash of styles, with Mayweather known as the premier defensive boxer of his era while Pacquiao is noted for his all-action offense and the ability to punch from all angles.

Mayweather will hold a size advantage in the welterweight fight, as he is slightly taller and has a slightly longer reach than Pacquiao.

The American doubts that height "plays a key" for Pacquiao, but insists it is something he plans to use come fight time.

"I think with me, (height) plays a key because I use a little bit of everything. I use my reach, I use my height, I use my movement," he said. "I use different techniques, whereas he is not as versatile as Floyd Mayweather."

Pacquiao is a very exciting fighter and is strong, Mayweather said, but insists that "this is a different league."

"I mean, this is a guy that can box going forward, this is a guy that can box going backwards, a guy that can counterpunch," Mayweather said, describing his own skills.

"I can tie you up, I can slug if I have to, but my thing is always working smarter, not harder," he added.

Mayweather also noted that Pacquiao has changed as a fighter since he stopped working with strength and conditioning trainer Alex Ariza, who is now part of the American's camp.

"Once Alex Ariza left, he's a totally different fighter," Mayweather said.

But despite his physical advantages, and the lack of Ariza in Pacquiao's camp, Mayweather makes it clear he is not going to underestimate the Pacquiao, who is the first boxer in history to win championships in eight different weight divisions.

"He may not be the same fighter, but this is a guy that I cannot overlook. He got here somehow and some way," said Mayweather of Pacquiao. "You never take nothing for granted, because anything can happen."

"But as far as me being nervous or worried, absolutely not. But I'm always cautious and smart," he added.

"You know, I don't have anything bad to say about (Pacquiao's trainer) Freddie Roach, I don't have to say anything bad about his team, but I believe in myself and I believe in my skills, and I got here somehow and some way by believing in my skills and believing in my talent."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Wild Card Gym never the same without Pacman

LOS ANGELES – A couple of boxers, perhaps amateurs, were on the heavy bags, and another, who looked like a pro, sat on a wooden bench, wrapping his hands, legs spread, his back on the wall.

Others minded their own business. There must be a dozen boxers working out at the Wild Card Gym here on this sunny but cool Saturday afternoon. No one was inside the ring.

Somehow, the place looked empty.

The gym’s most famous client, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, was 7,000 miles away, training for a Nov. 24 fight against Brandon Rios in Macau.

Trainer Freddie Roach, who owns the gym, is in the Philippines with Pacquiao.

Pepper Roach wasn’t around either, and Rob Peters, the security officer, was nowhere in sight as well as Freddie’s assistant, Marie Spivey. Alex Ariza is no longer part of the team.

There was none of the old, familiar faces.

Roger “Speedy” Gonzales, a 28-6-0 fighter, now mans the desk, and welcomes people in.

Pacquiao’s absence is strongly felt because this close to a fight, he should be there working out, packing the gym, drawing all the attention.

People used to line up the metal stairs just to get a glimpse of Pacquiao, and Peters, a Red Sox diehard, had to shoo them away, politely. He closes the doors on them.

Fans would crowd the parking lot, flashing placards, seeking autographs or photographs with Pacquiao. One time, the LAPD had to draw the yellow line.

Hollywood celebrities would come to watch Pacquiao train. One day, Kobe Bryant stopped by.

Not this time.

The Manny Pacquiao merchandise store on the front side of the gray-walled property is gone. The new tenant said they took over the place four months ago and turned it into a nail spa.

Pacquiao’s favorite restaurant, Nat’s Thai Food, was near empty. The owner of the place, Tina, jumped on this scribe, and immediately asked how Pacquiao is doing.

The Filipino superstar loves Thai food, and over the last seven years or so, he would spend a couple of hours inside the restaurant after training.

Business in this Thai restaurant, known for its spicy chicken, deep-fried fish and crab rice, bloomed with Pacquiao who would spend as much as $700 a day for everybody’s meals.

But Pacquiao’s hasn’t been around since December last year when he fought Juan Manuel Marquez. The place had seen better days.

“We really miss him,” said Tina, who would close shop for a couple of days and take her entire family to Las Vegas or even Dallas to watch Pacquiao’s fights.

They all had become friends with Pacquiao. The walls inside this Thai restaurant are adorned with Pacquiao posters and pictures.

Tina knows that Pacquiao is doing his next fight in Macau, and said they were all wishing him the best. It’s the first time since 2006 that Pacquiao is fighting outside the United States.

During a conference call last Thursday, Pacquiao said it’s up to his promoter, Bob Arum, whether he’d fight in the US once more. Well, actually, it’s up to him. If he beats Rios, then the possibility is there. Or it may be all gone.

“I really don’t know yet,” said Pacquiao.

A lot of people are hoping and praying for that possibility.

“We will pray that he wins. We hope he fights here again. We really miss Pacquiao. We love him,” said Tina before heading back to the kitchen.

She kept her tears from falling.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Roach planning 'toughest ever' training camp

MANILA, Philippines – Hall-of-Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach is planning a tough training camp for his prized ward, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, to prepare the Filipino boxer for his November 24 clash against Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios.

Roach’s assistant, Marvin Somodio, told PNA’s Eddie Alinea that Roach is working hard on Pacquiao’s regimen, as the Rios fight will be a big test for the Pacman.


“Coach Freddie hasn’t revealed yet what kind of preparation awaits, but what he told us is that it will be the toughest ever for Manny,” Somodio said, adding that Roach wants Pacquiao to have a training camp with no distractions.

Pacquiao’s training camp for Rios will be held in General Santos City. The boxer has already started light training, but the camp will officially begin in October, when Roach arrives in the country.

“One month ang itatagal ng camp sa GenSan before proceeding to Macau for the remaining two weeks of preparations,” Somodio told Alinea. “That’s the plan, at least for now. Kung may mababago man, it depends on the developments from now until late September.”

Somodio stressed that they are preparing Pacquiao “to win by knockout – no more, no less.”

“Coach Freddie knows how important Manny’s coming fight with Rios is for the remainder of his career,” he said. “He prepared a build-up regimen needed to achieve our purpose.”

Pacquiao, who sustained a slight sprain on his ankle while playing basketball last weekend, will spar with British boxer Liam Vaughan and China’s Lian Hui in the early parts of training camp.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao has to get over hurdles, says Floyd

MANILA, Philippines – Unbeaten American superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr. is not considering a fight with Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao at the moment, saying the "Pacman" has to overcome certain hurdles first.

"Manny Pacquiao got a lot of hurdles to get over to get to (me)," Mayweather said in an interview with CBS Sports during the Final Four of the 2013 NCAA men's basketball tournament.

"He just got two back-to-back losses," he pointed out.

Pacquiao suffered a controversial split decision defeat to American Timothy Bradley Jr. in June 2012, and then was brutally knocked out by Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez when they faced off for the fourth time in December 2012.

Negotiations for a fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao have broken down repeatedly over the past few years as neither side can ever come to an agreement.

But the American boxer insisted that he is only asking for one thing from Pacquiao.

"Only thing I was asking for was random blood and urine testing, just to show the world that the sport of boxing is a clean sport," Mayweather said.

Pacquiao has already agreed to random blood and urine testing, but early last year, talks broke down again after the two camps failed to agree on the revenue sharing.

While Pacquiao has yet to return to the ring following his devastating loss to Marquez, Mayweather is set to fight again on May 4.

He will face dangerous welterweight Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero, whom he called a "solid, tough competitor."

"He's strong, he's solid. We'll just see what he brings to the table on May 4th," Mayweather said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

First boxer to KO Pacquiao now sells mami

MANILA, Philippines – The first boxer to ever knock out Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao now lives in a small shanty beside a river full of garbage and sells mami in Tondo for a living – a stark contrast to the life of the boxer who came to be known as the “Pacman.”

In 1996, a then 24-year-old Rustico Torrecampo knocked out the 17-year-old Pacquiao in Mandaluyong, in a bout aired by the IBC 13 show “Blow by Blow.”




Pacquiao entered the bout undefeated, with a record of 11-0. But Torrecampo, who then had a record of 11 wins, four losses and five draws, knocked him out in the third round of their 10-round fight.

But Torrecampo’s promising boxing career was shattered when he injured his wrist in his first fight after beating Pacquiao. He retired in 1997, a year after handing Pacquiao his first professional loss.

Now, Torrecampo, known as “Dodong” to many, sells mami for a living. He has a wife and four children.

He earns P500 a day – P1,000 on good days. When business isn’t good, they starve.

“Ang kain namin, walang almusal. Gigising na lang ng tanghali, para tanghalian tapos hapunan na,” said Torrecampo. “Pahirap ng pahirap ang buhay.”

Lucky punch

Like most Filipinos, Torrecampo tuned in last Sunday to watch Pacquiao fight his Mexican rival, Juan Manuel Marquez, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“’Yung kumpiyansa niya, overconfident ba,” was his observation after watching his one-time foe.

But he also believes that it was a lucky punch that sent Pacquiao to the canvas in the sixth round.

“Walang magaling sa tsamba. Panalong-panalo si Pacquiao,” Torrecampo said.

He explained that Marquez was already being battered, and a losing boxer will simply throw punches in the hopes of scoring a knockout.

No bitterness

Torrecampo once received P20,000 from Pacquiao after giving the eight-division world champion a massage. This was after the “Pacman” defeated “Sugar” Shane Mosley via unanimous decision.

They have not crossed paths since, but Torrecampo says he is willing to do anything for the man he once put to sleep inside the ring.

“Kung pwede kong kayurin ang libag niya or paputiin ang talampakan niya, para kumita lang, gagawin ko,” he said.

Despite their poverty, Torrecampo does not show any sign of bitterness and maintains a positive outlook.

“Kesa malungkot ka, tumawa ka na lang tumawa. Busog ka pa sa hangin,” he said while laughing.

Torrecampo also refuses to think of what could have been, of what his life would be like had he not gotten injured and continued his career.

“Pag iniisip ko na dapat ako doon, sasama lang ang loob ko,” he said, and then joked: “Kung ako nandoon, hindi kayo makakatikim ng mami ko. Gusto niyo ba si Pacman ang magtinda ng mami?”

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Jinkee: I was really scared for my husband

MANILA, Philippines – Jinkee Pacquiao admitted she was not ready to see her husband Manny Pacquiao fall down and unable to move after the Filipino boxer walked straight to the right hand of Mexican fighter Juan Manuel Marquez on Sunday.

In a phone interview with “The Buzz,” Jinkee said she wanted to run to her husband, who was on the ring motionless for what seemed like a long time, but some people restrained her.

“By the grace of God, I'm okay, he’s okay. Nagulat ako kasi first time ko nakita si Manny na matagal nakabangon so natakot talaga ako. Gusto ko umakyat sa ring pero gusto nila yung mga doktor muna, titignan muna siya,” she said.

Jinkee said she did not think anymore that Pacquiao lost the fight because all she was thinking about at that moment was his health condition.

She said Pacquiao already had himself checked in the hospital and that all his scans were clear.

“Praise God na okay naman siya. Hindi na namin iniisip na natalo siya, basta ang mahalaga yung kalusugan niya,” she said.

According to Jinkee, she talked to Pacquiao about not fighting again but her husband just remained silent.

“Unang sinabi ko sa kanya may purpose si Lord na baka gusto niya huminto ka na sa boxing, mag-focus na lang tayo sa pag-serve sa kanya. Wala lang siyang sinabi, tahimik lang,” she said,

Jinkee said Pacquiao already talked to their children, who watched the bout on television in the Philippines.

“Tinawagan na ni Manny kanina 'yung mga bata. 'Yung dalawang babae. okay naman. Sila pa 'yung nagsasabi pa ‘Papa, okay lang 'yan, gusto namin happy ka.’ Pero 'yung dalawang lalaki, medyo galit sila. ung anak ko na si Michael, binato pa daw yung TV kanina,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jinkee thanked all the Filipinos who supported and prayed for Pacquiao.

“Para sa mga kababayan natin, nagpapasalamat kami na nandiyan kayo. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat diyan sa Pilipinas,” she said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao fans gird for Marquez clash

MANILA, Philippines - Two days to go before the blockbuster fourth fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez and even the fans of the Pacman here and abroad are ready to rumble.

In his home province of Sarangani, preparations are underway for the live viewing of thousands at their gym as they already gave away tickets for the event.

“Suportado talaga namin si Pacquiao, sir. Magaling siya!” said Pacquiao supporter Marvin Dagame.

“Mananalo si Pacquiao dahil magaling ‘yan, mana-knockout niya si Marquez,” said Jerome Abansado, another Pacquiao fan.

Meanwhile in Las Vegas, the odds are not as big ,but they still favor the Pacman.

A $290 bet for Pacquiao will net a bettor $100 if he wins while a $100 bet for Marquez gets $230 if the Mexican wins.

“Tataya ako kalahati ng sweldo ko ay itataya ko kay pacquiao, Pacquiao go go go," said one Pinoy bettor in the US.

"We love Pacquiao so much. Everytime may laban si Pacquiao dito sa Vegas we have a party," said Las Vegas resident Divina Averilla.

For veteran boxing analysts, the fight should not, and likely will not last long.

“What Pacquiao can do I think is win by TKO, cut this guy up so badly that [referee Kenny] Bayless will stop the fight,” said local ring commentator Ronnie Nathanielsz. “The nice thing about him is that the fire within him has rekindled.”

“Si Manny should win via TKO or KO in the 7th round, kasi kung magde-decision pa ‘yan delikado pa si Manny,” boxing analyst Recah Trinidad, said for his part.

“Atsaka dapat wala na syang injury sa calf nya, ‘di na dapat magka-cramps.”

Expert or simple boxing fan, by now most everyone agrees the sport needs this 4th and likely final installment of one of the greatest rivalries in boxing history to finally determine who is truly the better man in the ring. – TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News; Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

source: abs-cbnnews.com

50 Cent looks to get richer with Pacquiao

LOS ANGELES, California – Hip hop star, actor, businessman, and now fight promoter Curtis Jackson, best known as 50 Cent, has been regarded as one of the most successful business-minded musicians.

The artist, who debuted with the album “Get Rich or Die Trying”, looks to get richer with his new business partner Manny Pacquiao.

“I was actually forming this company to leave it as an actual asset they can both have equity in for the future. It can be in the service of retirement plan for both him and Floyd [Mayweather Jr.] and something attractive for him to commit to that would allow them to continuously be in boxing like you see Oscar Dela Hoya around with Golden Boy,” said 50 Cent.

The Pacman and 50 Cent’s first joint project will be under Top Rank, promoting a World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super bantamweight title fight between Cuba's Yurorkis Gamboa and Filipino Michael Fareras as one of the undercard bouts for Pacquiao's December 8th match against Juan Manuel Marquez.

“We're working on boxing. We plan to do some shows together then we're going to get into some other business aspects that I don't want to get into. Ventures… maybe some real estate development, things of that nature,” said Michael Koncz, Pacquiao's advisor.

50 Cent said he originally got involved with Pacquiao while he was trying to help negotiate the Pacquiao-Mayweather mega-fight.

Despite a Twitter spat with Mayweather, 50 Cent said that he and Mayweather remain friends and he is still working on the superfight.

“It's going to take more work, that Manny-Floyd Mayweather fight has to be made. People want to see it so we're going to keep working at it until we get it done,” said the rapper.

“I'm hoping but it's up to 50 [Cent], what influence he has with Floyd we're ready to do that fight and if 50 could influence Floyd to do it then great,” said Koncz.

The Grammy winning musician joked he's even open to a musical venture with the fighting-singing-congressman.

“He says he's not singing anymore. Maybe I could get some vocals out of him,” joked 50 Cent.

After holding a media day with Gamboa, who he promotes, 50 Cent spent the afternoon watching the Pacman train.

Pacquiao's wife Jinkee and comedian Bayani Agbayani were also at the gym on Thursday afternoon.

Whether or not 50 Cent can finally bring Pacquiao and Mayweather to the ring, Team Pacquiao and the entrepreneurial hip hop star said their business partnership is one of their long term plans both in and out of the ring.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Malacanang wishes Pacquiao the best in boxing match with American Bradley

MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang wished all the best for Sarangani Representative and Filipino boxing icon Emmanuel “Pacman” Pacquiao who will be exchanging mitts with American pugilist Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley as it expressed confidence that the Philippines’ pride will be victorious.

In a regular press briefing in Malacanang, Friday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the Filipino people will surely continue supporting Pacquiao as they will be watching the fight on June 10, Sunday (Manila time) which will be televised live from the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas Nevada USA.

“We wish Congressman Pacquiao the best of luck… the nation will be watching intently. We watch him for his fight against Timothy Bradley and we know that again, the Pambansang Kamao will prevail,” Valte said.

The southpaw Pacquiao, who has a professional record of 54 wins (38 knockouts), 3 losses and 2 draws will be defending his WBO welterweight title against the undefeated Bradley.

The very first eight-division world champion Pacquiao have won six world titles. He was also the first to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes.

Pacman was named "Fighter of the Decade" for the 2000s (decade) by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). He is also a three-time ‘The Ring’ and ‘BWAA’ "Fighter of the Year," winning the award in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

source: interaksyon.com

Pacman slaps GenSan journalist with P75 M libel suit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines -- Boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao has filed a P75-million libel case against a news correspondent here over a controversy involving the alleged sale of a stolen car by one of his close associates.

The alleged dealer, Mohammad “Bong” Aquia, former chief of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group in Region 12 or Central Mindanao, also filed a separate P18-million libel complaint against freelance journalist Edwin Espejo, who mainly writes for online site Asian Correspondent.

Pacquiao’s counsel filed the charges against Espejo before the City Prosecutor’s Office late Monday afternoon.

Espejo is former editor-in-chief of the defunct Sun Star daily General Santos and also contributes for the Davao-based news service MindaNews, Sun Star Davao and the Mindanao Times.

He is also chairman of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines’ South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos City chapter.

Pacquiao’s case stemmed from recent articles of Espejo, which appeared at online news outfits Asian Correspondent and MindaNews, as well as in Eurasia Review, which reposted the Asian Correspondent story.

The boxing champion’s complaint cites Espejo for three counts of libel and sought P20 million in exemplary damages and another P5 million in attorney’s fees for each count.

However, none of the complaints cited the news sites on which Espejo’s articles were posted.

On Asian Correspondent, the piece was entitled, “Stolen car dealer finds refuge in Pacman mansion,” while MindaNews titled it “Dealer of stolen cars last seen in Pacman mansion."

In his articles, Espejo cited a February 26 report on www.journal.com.ph that said Aquia was about to be arrested by police at the General Santos airport but evaded the arresting officers by approaching Pacquiao, who had just arrived on a commercial flight from Manila, and boarding the boxing champion’s vehicle.

“Reports said Akia (sic) accompanied Pacquiao in the latter’s residence and has not been seen since,” Espejo quoted the Journal report as saying.

In an earlier press statement, the Philippine National Police said Aquia has been charged with violation of Republic Act 6539 or the Anti-Carnapping Act.

The case was filed after the Highway Patrol Group arrested a village official here for possession of a stolen Hyundai Starex van.

The village official identified Aquia as the source of the “hot car” that was allegedly stolen from a businessman in Angeles City and replaced with a license plate registered to showbiz celebrity Luis Manzano, the PNP statement said.

In his articles, Espejo wrote that Pacquiao could not be reached for comment because he is “in the US promoting his June 9 fight against American Timothy Bradley.”

Instead, Espejo wrote, he talked to Pacquiao lawyer Francisco Gacal, who said he was not aware Aquia was in the boxing champion’s residence.

“Knowing Congressman (Pacquiao) and Jinky (Paquiao’s wife), they do not allow Gensan (General Santos) guests to stay in their mansion,” Gacal was quoted as saying by Espejo.

He added that the lawyer also said he would inform Pacquiao about the report.

In the Mindanews report, Espejo also cited a statement by PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome about the busting of Aquia’s alleged syndicate, which he described as a “well-entrenched car theft ring” buying stolen motor vehicles in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon and transporting them to Mindanao where they are given fraudulent Land Transportation Office registration papers and license plates.

In his affidavit of complaint, Pacquiao said he was informed about Espejo’s articles by his public information officer, Rosemarie Tamayo and, on reading them, “I was shocked and stunned to know the accusations against me made by the author, especially as the author made repeated mention of my name and portrayed me to be harboring a suspected carnapper.”

Pacquiao claimed Espejo “has intentionally and maliciously dragged my name to cause dishonor and discredit to my reputation and public image …”

He also claimed that the articles “caused me enormous shock and awe resulting to countless sleepless nights, distress and wounded feelings. It virtually tarnished my reputation in the public.”

In his own complaint, Aquia sought P10 million in moral damages, P5 million in exemplary damages and P3 million in attorney’s fees for the “enormous shock and awe resulting to sleepless nights and besmirched reputation.

source: interaksyon.com