Pacquiao back in PH, to focus on healing, Congress work, family

RETURNING HOME Manny Pacquiao and his family board Philippine Airlines Flight PR103 in Los Angeles for their return flight to the Philippines after the boxer’s unsuccessful bid against world welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. The Pacquiaos are expected to arrive in Manila before dawn today. REM ZAMORA

Sarangani representative and people’s champ Manny Pacquiao may have lost the “Battle for Greatness” against Floyd Mayweather Jr. but the boxing icon insists he won by bringing back his opponent’s faith.

Arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 2 at around 3:46 am Wednesday from Los Angeles Pacquiao, whose right arm was in a sling, said that after his heartbreaking defeat in Las Vegas and his injury, he would focus on recovering, being with his family and his role as a public servant.

Politics in 2016 or 2022 for that matter, he said, would have to take a distant backseat for now.

Pacquiao told reporters in Filipino, “I have accepted my defeat. It is just boxing. That is part of sports where sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. But at least, for me, I still won because before and after the fight, it was his (Mayweather’s) first time to thank the Lord.”

READ: Low-key Mayweather thanks God for making fight possible
When asked what he thought of remarks made by Mayweather who reportedly said that he has lost his respect for the people’s champ, “Huwag na tayong magbigay ng comment diyan kasi ang mga ganyan huwag na nating patulan. Kasi kapag pinatulan pa natin iyan ay magiging ka-level din natin sila (Let’s not comment on that. If we react to that we will only be stooping to their level).”

Although he said he had the highest respect for boxing officials, he revealed that he carefully reviewed his fight, watching it several times in his home, and he still came away thinking he should have been adjudged the winner of the match.

“I watched the fight several times and I really scored it. For me, I should have won by 2 points but even then, the decision is final so we have to accept the result. We have to accept it. At least in the people’s hearts, I won,” the boxing icon said.

READ: Pacquiao: ‘Still the people’s champ’
Asked if he already had plans for his next fight, Pacquiao said, “I am not thinking of a next fight or anything else. I am now focused on healing. Recovering 100 percent. And my focus is on my job and my family.”

He said that the American surgeon who operated on his injured shoulder assured him that he would be totally healed in 6 months. “The doctor said that I only need to rest for 4 to 6 months. The surgery went well and in 6 months my shoulder will be back to 100 percent normal,” Pacquiao pointed out, adding that he would start therapy in four weeks.

The shoulder injury, the boxing icon revealed, was a very old injury he got from a jet ski accident in 2009, which worsened in time particularly in the 3rd and 4th rounds of his May 3 match with Mayweather. He was warned by his doctor that ignoring it would aggravate it further and will prevent him from engaging in any sport.

Asked about his plans for next year’s elections, Pacquiao said, “My plan is still for 2015, to continue serving the public. My focus is on Sarangani Province and what I can do to help my townmates which is important.”

Pacquiao, who was recently designated acting chair of the House overseas worker’s affairs committee, said that he would buckle down to work and preside over meetings, particularly the investigation into the case of overseas worker and convicted drug offender Mary Jane Veloso.

READ: Top absentee Pacquiao is acting chair of House panel to probe Veloso case
He said that he and his wife Jinkee, the Sarangani Province vice-governor, have been closely reviewing both their political careers because public service has been exhausting and has taken their time away from their kids and their business.

The boxing icon laughed when asked if he still dreamt of being the President of the Philippines, “That is not even in my mind. It is like when I started in boxing, my only dream was to be the country’s champion. That was my focus and I did not think of anything else.”

But he pointed out, “I am not thinking of it (presidency). But you know God’s plan is higher than our plans. His thought is higher than our thoughts. So who can say?” With a report from Christine Rhea Lectura, trainee

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