INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines -- Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao met with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband, Jose Miguel, in Malacañang Palace Monday afternoon.

Pacquiao, who arrived in Manila early Monday from Las Vegas, was welcomed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.

He was accompanied by his wife Jinkee, former Ilocos Sur governor Luis ?Chavit? Singson, and Environment Secretary Lito Atienza.

Pacquiao was crowned the new World Boxing Council super-featherweight champion after he dethroned last week Mexico?s Juan Manuel Marquez in a 12-round thriller that saw the Filipino boxer win via split decision.