A masterpiece, says Arroyo

PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday said the knockout victory of Manny Pacquiao over David Diaz, was a "masterpiece."

The President watched the fight on television in San Francisco while waiting for her return flight to Manila.

"Manny once again showed the sterling quality of excellence of a Filipino at his best. We rejoice with the whole nation in his victory," Arroyo said in a statement.

Filipinos were so glued to their television sets that the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported a zero crime rate and reduced traffic volume in Metro Manila during the Pacquiao-Diaz bout.

Supt. Rhodel Sermonia, NCRPO spokesman, said from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., there were no reported crimes in the five police districts of the metropolis. He noted a 30 percent decrease in traffic jams as compared to the usual Sundays.

Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. said Pacquiao's win was a much needed morale booster to Filipinos battered by typhoon Frank and the sinking of the MV Princess of the Stars.

"Manny is an extraordinary Filipino. It is every Filipino's honor to call him kababayan," Villar said.

He said Pacquiao's record as the first Asian boxer to hold four titles in four different weight classes is a "historic feat" that makes him "not only a pride of the Philippines but a pride of this part of the world."

Sen. Benigno Aquino III said Pacquiao's win also boosts the country's "wounded pride," after having landed in the top list of most corrupt nations.

Sen. Francis Escudero said he's sure that Pacquiao will go out of his way to help fellow Filipinos devastated by Frank, "win or lose." - Wendell Vigilia, Dennis Gadil, and Raymond Africa