President Aquino, Pacquiao Vow to Have Another Shooting Session

Manila (PNA) — President Benigno Aquino III and Filipino boxing champ Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao agreed to have another shooting session once the Saranggani Lone District Representative recovers from his injury.

This was disclosed by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. after the eight-division champion boxer’s 30-minute courtesy call to the President Wednesday afternoon.

He said the two talked about various topics including their interest on shooting “as a recreational activity.”

“The President shared with him some practical tips. Rep. Pacquiao recalled how he joined the President at a shooting event a few years ago and asked if he may do so again as soon as he recovers from his injury — and the President nodded his head in agreement,” he said.

The meeting was held at Malacanang Palace’s Music Room and was attended by Solar Sports President Wilson Tieng and Pacquiao’s adviser, Michael Koncz, among others.

Aquino asked the “People’s Champ” about the latter’s injury, which he suffered during his fight with Floyd Mayweather on May 2, 2015.

He was informed by the boxer that he felt the pain on his right shoulder on the final seconds of the third round.

Pacquiao said the injury prevented his movement throughout the fight, Coloma said.

Amidst the boxer’s lost, the Chief Executive congratulated and thanked him for what he has done in putting the Philippines’ in center stage.

The boxer said he plans to have his badly needed rest since the injury takes about three months to heal.

He and his family along with several others arrived in Manila early Wednesday morning aboard Philippine Airlines PR 103.

A motorcade was held for him around the City of Manila before he paid the President a courtesy call. (PNA) RMA/JS/EDS