Burdened, can Pacquiao turn to Arum for help?

MANNY Pacquiao devotees cheered as one upon getting the tip that their idol could next suit up and see action in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

After Pacquiao had explained a preference for jersey No. 17 (his birth date), PBA Commissioner Chito Salud, however, stepped in.

Not so fast, please, he cautioned.

Playing it slow but sure, Salud next announced Pacquiao, if ever, will have to pass through the rookie draft, where they have stiff standards.

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There was gladness and instant relief out in the streets after it was next reported Pacquiao could dodge his tax woes.

The garnishment on his bank accounts and properties over massive unpaid taxes had supposedly been lifted.

Maybe this was the breathing room Pacquiao’s poor fans had been begging the President?

Not really, retorted Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares.

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That supposed temporary relief could’ve, in fact, pushed Pacquiao closer to the cliff.

While there would be no immediate garnishment of Pacquiao’s properties, Henares said the Filipino boxing superhero has been required to post a cash bond of P3.3 billion, or a surety bond of of P4.95 billion within 10 days.

A plain count would show the demanded amount is one and a half times the amount being originally demanded by the government from Pacquiao.

Pacquiao’s lawyer did not tarry and explained his client didn’t have that kind or money  and it would be impossible to raise even if they went on a borrowing spree.

Henares said a full-blown investigation is in order.

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It’s not easy to determine how that probe would proceed, considering Pacquiao has been claiming he has properly paid his taxes.

Now, this is not to tell Henares what to do, but we suggest she asks Pacquiao to seek help from his trusted foxy promoter Bob Arum, a lawyer and taxation expert.

Whether Henares likes it or not, Pacquiao needs to be helped—now!

Based on past exchanges, nobody could be in better position to explain how Pacquiao ended in a record tax rut, never before encountered by a Filipino sports superstar, than Arum himself.

Maybe Henares could also use the impending probe to enlighten future Filipino sports heroes on how to deal with grisly foreign handlers?