Comelec restricts broadcast of Pacquiao fight in home province

The Commission on Election (Comelec) has allowed the full broadcast of the title fight of Manny Pacquiao this weekend.

But the Comelec decided to impose a partial restriction on the broadcast of the fight in South Cotabato where Pacquiao is running for congressman of the province’s first district.

According to Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, Pacquiao has already gained enough media exposure and only the boxer’s pre-fight sparring sessions and the actual bout itself are allowed to be aired in South Cotabato.

For the rest of the country, Filipinos can watch the full pre-fight session and documentaries before the actual match.

"We cannot impose a total ban because Pacquiao is of national interest," Sarmiento said.

Pacquiao is scheduled to fight the undefeated Mexican slugger Jorge Solis at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

The Comelec ruling came in the wake of a petition filed by lawyer Sixto Brillantes concerning the media exposure of Pacquiao and product endorsements.

The 28-year-old boxer is running as an administration candidate against incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio in the May 14 polls.

As the country’s most popular sports icon, Pacquiao has found a new campaign manager in the person of boxing promoter Bob Arum.

In Wednesday’s final press conference for Saturday’s "Blaze of Glory" card, Arum played the role of political kingmaker when he raised the hands of Pacquiao.

Arum introduced Pacquiao in the well-attended media event at the Alamodome in Texas as "the pride of the Philippines and a future congressman."

The boxer, while seated at the long presidential table, simply smiled before the cameras.

Arum mentioned a couple of reasons why Pacquiao should win in his political bid.

"The people love him because they know he loves them. Manny Pacquiao is the most famous Filipino in the world today," said Arum of his prizefighter.

At the rostrum, Arum told the crowd that he couldn’t comprehend why there are some people who wanted to stop the airing of the upcoming fight in the Philippines while it will be seen in around 45 countries around the world.

Arum mentioned Rep. Custodio as among those who wanted to stop the airing of the fight. Custodio has denied initiating moves to prevent the bout from being aired.

Told that he might get into trouble, Arum blurted out that he is an American and he could speak out his feelings.

"Manny doesn’t want to talk about political plans. Well, I can. I’m an American. I can say whatever I want to say," he said.

For his parting words, Arum said there’s no question about Pacquiao’s sincerity in running for public office.

"He’s the man of the people. He will look for ways on how the people can improve their lives, how they can be better educated, and how they can move forward," he said.

Shortly after, the promoter raised the hands of the boxer also known as "the people’s champion."

On Saturday, Pacquiao will be defending his WBC international super featherweight title (130 lbs) against Solis, an undefeated slugger who packs an impressive record of 32-0-2 with 23 stoppages.

For his part, Pacquiao said he is aware that Solis, a natural featherweight, is determined to avenge the losses of his countrymen.

Among the Mexican boxers that Pacquiao has defeated are Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Oscar Larios and Hector Vasquez. His fight with current division champ Juan Manuel Marquez ended in a controversial draw.