MANILA, Nov. 10, 2011— A Catholic bishop called on politicians not to engage in betting and gambling on the Pacquiao-Marquez fight in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday using the people’s money.
Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles claimed it is an “open secret” that many politicians are betting with a huge amount of money on Pacquiao.
The prelate asserted over Manila Archdiocese-run Radyo Veritas Thursday that instead of gambling, government officials should instead use the money in helping the poor.
“Ang pustahan nila niyan hindi sa kung mananalo si Pacquaio kundi kung saan mana-knock out ang kalaban niya. Hindi natin sila hinuhusgahan pero sana lang huwag naman sa ganitong sitwasyon na kung saan hinirang sila ng bayan, dapat maging mabuting ehemplo pero ipinapakita pa nila na sila ang nangunguna sa sugal,” Arguelles said.
“Sana man lang makonsensya sila. Kung yung pera nila na pampupusta sa laban ni Pacman itulong nalang nila yan sa kanilang mga kababayang naghihirap at masasabi talaga natin na karapat-dapat silang pinuno ng bayan,” he said.
Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso also appealed to the politicians and the public not to make the fight between Pacquiao and Marquez as a venue for gambling.
The public instead, he said, should support and pray for the Filipino boxing icon that he win the fight.
About 60 Filipino congressmen are reportedly watching the fight in Las Vegas, known to be the gambling capital of the world. [CBCPNews]
