Pacquiao returns to Philippines after dispatching Bradley Jr.

(Updated 10:26am) Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao made a relatively quiet return to the country before dawn Friday, less than a week after his win over Timothy Bradley Jr for the WBO Welterweight title.

The Philippine Airlines flight bearing Pacquiao and his party arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 before 5 am, GMA News' Saleema Refran reported on a GMA Flash Report.

In his arrival statement, Pacquiao thanked the Filipino people for their support and dedicated his win to God.

Pacquiao's mother Dionisia, who was with him, also greeted well-wishers a good morning upon arrival.

Before disembarking from the plane, Pacquiao posed for photos with PAL staff and crew and other passengers.

Welcoming the champ at the NAIA were officials of GMA Network, along with Senators Gregorio Honasan and Jose Victor Ejercito.

Pacquiao said he is excited to return to General Santos City where his wife pregnant Jinkee and children are waiting for him.

He also said he sees no problem with the Bureau of Internal Revenue as far as taxes from his bout against Bradley are concerned.

The GMA Flash Report said Pacquiao may pay a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III after Easter.

Hero's welcome

After returning from the United States, boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao proceeded to his native General Santos City Friday morning.
 
Pacquiao arrived in General Santos City shortly before 9 a.m., according to GMA News' Mav Gonzales.
 
"Congratulations! Cong. Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao ... We are proud of you," read a streamer welcoming the champ.

The streamer bore the names of Sarangani Gov. Steve Solon, Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao - the champ's wife, provincial board members, and people of Saragani.

Still, the hero's welcome was relatively muted, according to a report on Bomboy Radyo, as Good Friday is considered by Catholics as solemn. Plans for a float for Pacquiao were scrapped, as a result. - Joel Locsin / AMD, GMA News