'Emong' beats Pacquiao, KOs victory motorcade

MANILA, Philippines – Bad weather spoiled the much-awaited return of Manny Pacquiao on Friday as rain brought by typhoon "Emong" canceled the scheduled motorcade of the reigning pound-for-pound king. The newly-crowned International Boxing Organization (IBO) and Ring Magazine junior welterweight champion defied a Department of Health order to postpone his return flight to Manila. Pacquiao, in an interview over QTV’s Balitanghali Thursday morning, said his group was about to board their plane in Los Angeles and that they would be arriving in Manila on Friday at about 5 or 6 a.m. He said he felt no symptoms of the deadly Influenza A (H1N1) virus. Los Angeles has already reported one case of the deadly influenza virus, which has so far infected a total of 1,893 people worldwide, killing 29 in Mexico and two in the US, based on the May 6 official report (Update 18) of the World Health Organization. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza, meanwhile, said Pacquiao fans would have to wait for the weather to clear up before they get the chance to see and greet the boxing legend. Team Pacquiao will immediately proceed to the Quiapo Church upon arrival at the airport for a thanksgiving Mass. Atienza also advised Pacquiao supporters against going to the church to avoid close contact with Pacquiao, a known health buff. – Jonathan Perez, GMANews.TV