Robin Padilla to Pimentel: Leave Pacquiao out of ‘trapo tricks’

Screengrab from Robin Padilla’s Instagram account.

MANILA, Philippines – Actor Robin Padilla has called on Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to keep boxing icon and congressman Manny Pacquiao away from “tricks” of traditional politicians (trapo).

Padilla on Friday posted on his Instagram account a reaction on news that Pimentel wanted to give Pacquiao a “special tax exemption.” The exemption is supposed to be a “tribute” to the People’s champ for promoting the Philippines through his high-profile fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Padilla, however, felt that it was inappropriate.

“MR SENATOR, Manny is a FILIPINO HERO, he is our symbol of Courage!!! Impossible Dream !!! and Fighting Spirit!!!! He is trained to fight fairly and follows every rule in the boxing ring,” the actor said, praising Pacquiao.

“So (please, please) have mercy on this last remaining excellent Image of a FILIPINO and (please) immediately stop this madness and childish preposition of yours, let him fulfill his mission in life without any stain of Political bias and benefits, (please) let him stay CLEAN of any TRAPO Tricks,” he added in the post, which included a screengrab of an INQUIRER.net article.

Pimentel on Friday said he wanted to “inspire” Pacquiao, who is set to fight undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2, especially since “a substantial part of his boxing proceeds goes to the people through Manny’s helping hand.” KS

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