By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao has been urged by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to postpone his return home to what is certain to be a welcome that is expected to surpass any previous triumphant return by a national icon.
Duque made the request as a precautionary measure aimed at preventing the spread of what is commonly referred to as swine flu which has reportedly spread to Los Angeles. The Health Secretary apparently wants Pacquiao to observe "self quarantine" until next week.
However, BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports learned that Natural Resources Secretary and close friend and supporter of Pacquiao Lito Atienza had called the boxing icon who indicated he would decide tomorrow (Wednesday in LA) on whether to heed the request of Secretary Duque.
Adviser Mike Koncz said he learned that Pacquiao had initially postponed his arrival in Manila for Saturday but business manager Eric Pineda told us that their feeling is "the more Manny stays in LA the more he is exposed to the virus because of the scores of people who keep visiting him" including Filipinos, Fil-Ams, Americans and even Mexicans.
Pineda said "Manny is anxious to go home and feels frustrated" over being asked to delay his return saying there are "more than enough precautions" to help prevent the spread of swine flu. Pineda said they could check Pacquiao and the members of his entourage on arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport with its thermal imaging to find out whether any of them have symptoms of swine flu.
Pineda also addressed Duque’s concerns that Pacquiao’s mammoth motorcade in Manila and other cities in the country could pose a risk of having the virus spread if Manny or a member of Team Pacquiao is infected with the virus. Pineda said "Manny is isolated from the crowd during the motorcade" so there is nothing to be overly concerned about. However, Pineda said Pacquiao would make a decision (Wednesday in LA) and inform everybody concerned.
The government of President Arroyo declared a "national day of celebration" on Friday but weathermen forecast stormy weather which is also likely to put a damper on the celebrations and cause additional danger of people falling ill.
Ten people reportedly were under observation for swine flu in the country since May 1 but five of them have already been given a clean bill of health.
