Pacquiao to boost Villar campaigns, says Pimentel

By Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:49:00 12/19/2009



Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Politics


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091219-242986/Pacquiao-to-boost-Villar-campaings-says-Pimentel


MANILA, Philippines—The entry of the people's champ Manny Pacquiao into the Nacionalista Party will be a "big boost'' to the presidential bid of the party's standard bearer, Sen. Manny Villar, according to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

This is because the people love Pacquiao, who has made the country proud with his numerous victories in the ring, Pimentel said in a phone interview.

He said Pacquiao's support for Villar's presidential bid "might be unparalleled coming from a single person.''

Pimentel, who has left the PDP-Laban, is now supporting Villar's presidential bid. His daughter and chief of staff Gwen Pimentel is running for senator under the Nacionalista Party.

He said Malacañang may have been "downhearted'' by the news of Pacquiao's allegiance to Villar given that President Macapagal-Arroyo has been very supportive of the people's champ, especially during his fights.

Pacquiao joined the NP and took his oath as a member last Friday when he celebrated his 31st birthday in General Santos City.


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091219-242986/Pacquiao-to-boost-Villar-campaings-says-Pimentel