LAS VEGAS--The VIPs are joining the Pacquiao-Marquez II frenzy.
Speaker Prospero Nograles is already in this glitzy city, along with Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla and former Sen. Robert Jaworski.

And Vice President Noli de Castro is also on his way here.

From available information, only De Castro, thus far, is sure to climb into the ring if Manny Pacquiao demolishes Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez.

As pre-fight excitement builds up in Las Vegas and in the Philippines, ring experts say they expect Pacquiao to rely on his punching power and relentless energy to try and dethrone Marquez in an expected 12-round battle of attrition at Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas Saturday (Sunday morning in Manila) .

Marquez will defend his World Boxing Council super featherweight crown against the pride of the Philippines.

De Castro is expected to be joined at the $600 ringside section by a host of Filipino politicians.

They include Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, Rep. Monico Puentevella, Rizal Gov. Ito Ynares, former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia, former Rep. Prospero Pichay, former Gov. Faustino Dy, Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes, Nueva Ecija Gov. Oyie Umali and wife Czarina, 3rd district congresswoman.

Show biz stars
The entertainment world will be well represented, too.

Superstar Nora Aunor (now based in the United States), Aga Muhlach and wife Charlene, Richard Gutierrez and parents Eddie and Annabel, Rudy Fernandez and wife Lorna Tolentino, Bong's wife Lani Mercado and Pops Fernandez are also tipped to be at ringside.

Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon will also come, and Tito Sotto's daughter, Ciara, will be singing the Philippine National Anthem at fight time.

Mayor Leonardia will hoist Pacquiao's WBC international super featherweight belt while an associate of Pacquiao, Cris Aquino, will again carry the Philippine flag.

Last fight
Sunday's bout, backed by Golden Boy promotions, is a rematch of a 2004 draw, also in Las Vegas, in which Pacquiao knocked Marquez to the canvas three times in the first round. One judge scored the fight for each boxer and the third had the matchup even.

The four-year gap between their fights is an oddity in boxing these days where instant rematches have almost become the norm.

And this could be Pacquiao's last fight at 130 pounds. He is expected to move up to the 135-pound weight class where he could face David Diaz next.

Better fighter now
The 29-year-old Pacquiao is in the prime of his career while 15-year veteran Marquez is nearing the end of his.

Pacquiao, of General Santos City, is his country's ultimate warrior and a much better fighter than when he first faced Marquez.

"I think he is a 90 percent better fighter," said trainer Freddie Roach. "He is smarter, more experienced and he sets things up with two hands now."

Marquez, 34, is 48-3 with one draw and 35 knockouts while Pacquiao is 45-3 with two draws and 35 knockouts.

Marquez is 19-1-1 since 1999, the lone defeat a unanimous decision loss to Indonesian Chris John in March of 2006.

Pacquiao is 19-1 with two draws in the same span, losing only a unanimous decision to Mexican Erik Morales in 2005.

Via Vegas
Pacquiao has won six fights in a row, the most recent a 12-round decision over Marco Antonio Barrera.

In Manila, De Castro's staff said that, should his schedule permit, the Vice President might join the gang of government officials who would see the fight.

De Castro left Friday on a trip to the United States and Canada for official engagements in several North American cities, according to his staff.

Airport staff said De Castro boarded the 4:50 p.m. Philippine Airlines Flight PR-106, which stops over at Vancouver before pushing on to Las Vegas.

De Castro's staff said the Vice President was scheduled to attend to mostly "official matters" during his trip to Canada and the United States, including meetings with Filipino communities in Los Angeles.

'Special Day'
Short of calling for a ceasefire from political bickering even for a day, Malacañang Friday urged Filipinos to treat the Pacquiao-Marquez fight as a "special day."

In a press briefing, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye joined the nation in expressing full support for Pacquiao.

"You know, when Manny Pacquiao has a fight, there's almost no traffic and almost no crime ... (there's) zero crime rate. And, that's a very special day for the Philippines," said Bunye.

He said he was saying prayers for the champ.

Political truce for a day
"We are praying for our countryman, and we believe that he is very ready to face his fight this Sunday. We are hoping for the best," said Bunye.

"I'm sure, he will fight in a way that will make all Filipinos very proud of him."

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Wednesday said that "on March 16, (there will be a) ceasefire for a day."

Ermita said that because every Filipino would be in front of their TV screens cheering on Pacquiao, it might help reduce the tension gripping the country today.

That is why "we will pray that Pacquiao wins," said Ermita.

Rallying point
"As a Filipino, I can only say that Manny Pacquiao has become our rallying point," he said. "He has become a symbol of Filipino courage. Our message is, on behalf of the Filipino people, good luck and we know you are well prepared, Manny."

Ermita added: "Hopefully, what Bob Arum said will come true, that you will finish this before Round 8," he said. With reports Tarra Quismundo, Joanna Cordero and AFP