INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines?Manny Pacquiao should have a statue put up in the Philippines as a symbol of excellence for every Filipino.

This was the suggestion of Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Monico Puentevella who said that the statue could be built at historical landmarks such as Luneta Park, Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Folk Arts Theatre.

Puentevella, who graced the PSA Forum at the Shakey's U.N. Avenue in Manila, said the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex could also be a possible site of the statue as well as the Ayala Park in Makati, a request he can course through Jaime Zobel de Ayala.

He added that the Araneta Coliseum could also be a possible site in Quezon City with the help of George "Nene" Araneta.

?He?s the symbol of excellence for every Filipino," said the POC official, who also broached the possibility of Pacquiao carrying the country's flag in next year's Olympics in London.

?In my capacity as POC chairman, and as friend to Pacquiao, I recommend that we build a statue like the one they build for (Oscar) Dela Hoya, (Michael) Jordan, Joe Louis and Rocky Balboa,? he said.

Puentevella also said at the weekly forum sponsored by Smart, PAGCOR, Outlast Battery and Shakey?s that the government should have the first option in putting up the statue.

"We will give them enough time, but if there?s no response, then the private sector may come in,? he said.