The Manila Bulletin reported yesterday that welterweight titlist and international superstar Manny Pacquiao has been linked to an "attempted ambush" of a mayor in the Philippines. One of the vehicles used in the attempt is allegedly registered to Pacquiao's wife, Jinkee. The fighter has denied the charges that he was affiliated with the crime:
But Pacquiao, standard bearer of People’s Champ Movement, said the attempt to link him to the assassination try on Glan town mayor Enrique Yap Jr. was politically-motivated aimed at tainting his candidacy which has been gaining on his rival businessman Roy Chiongbian.
The two Toyota vans with plate numbers RBR 709 and MDM 577 were seized by the authorities from the suspects who allegedly attempted to ambush Yap.
Also taken from the suspects were an Armalite rifle and a .45 caliber pistol.
"These unfounded charges against me came out as a result of the recent survey which showed my candidacy was faring well against my opponent," Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao went on to further explain the possibility, which he does not deny, of the vehicle being registered to his wife:
Local television reports here showed Pacquiao denying involvement on the attempted ambush on Mayor Yap. Pacquiao did not discount the possibility though that they own the vans but explained that it could be one of their many vans in their transportation business which is being managed by Jinky.
Doesn't sound like this is going to be a big event for Pacquiao, but you never know, I suppose.
Meanwhile, Floyd Mayweather Sr. weighed in with another genius statement on Manny Pacquiao, saying that his running for Congress "don't fit." Former NBA All-Star Gary Payton disagrees in the same article. ...why?
Speaking of "why?" there's also NESN.com with some suggestions for which Boston area sports figure should run for office in Massachusetts. Curt Schilling?!?! Manny Ramirez?!?! Cam Neely?!?! The possibilities are endless!
And Shane Mosley would like to have dinner in the Philippines with Manny Pacquiao.