By Ronnie Nathanielsz

The failure of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao to show up at the Gusi awards at the Meralco theater on Wednesday has drawn the ire of Ambassador Barry Gusi.

With a chair reserved for him in the middle of seats for the 19 awardees conspicuously empty before a packed audience of well known personalities, Ambassador Gusi in his remarks said  “our very own Manny Pacquiao is just around. They said to me several times they’ll be attending but they did not show up. No showing up, no award. No respect, no award, We have to boycott that.”

Ambassador Gusi concluded his remarks on Pacquiao’s no show saying “no award for the rest of his life because he did not respect people of the country and people of the world.”

Aside from Pacquiao, three other distinguished Filipinos were awarded the Gusi Peace Prize for 2009. They were Broadway superstar Lea Salonga, the healing priest Fr. Joseph Faller (for divine healing and assistance to the sick) and Reciosa Soliven (Academe.)

The Gusi Peace Prize is given to people who contributed to the betterment of humanity in their chosen field. 

BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports were informed that the individual who was in contact with Ambassador Gusi was Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz who was reportedly asked by Pacquiao to accept the award on his behalf but Ambassador Gusi rejected the suggestion.

In an earlier statement issued by Pacquiao when he learned of his award, the “Hero of Asia” who won seven world titles in seven weight divisions said "I am truly humbled by this incredible honor and I would like to thank the Gusi family and the foundation. To be included in such a group of accomplished humanitarians is beyond anything I ever dreamed of. They are inspirational."

The Gusi Peace Prize was established 22 years ago by ambassador, Barry Gusi, and his wife, Dr. Evelyn Gusi.

The award is bestowed annually upon distinguished individuals or groups, worldwide, for their exemplary contributions in areas such as peace and human rights, and, representing fields of science, medicine, academics, politics, business, humanities, philanthropy, journalism, religion, international relations.

America's lone honoree is Bob Filner, who represents California's 51st congressional district.