Solons to Justin Bieber: Apologize for ‘distasteful' comments on Pacquiao loss

Seven lawmakers on Monday threatened to declare Canadian popstar Justin Bieber a persona non grata in the Philippines if he refuses to apologize for the supposedly “distasteful” comments he made on former world boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao’s recent defeat.

 

In House Resolution 2962, the lawmakers demanded that Bieber issue a public apology to Pacquiao and to all Filipinos for supposedly “hurting and insulting” them with his online posts.

 

“Mr. Justin Bieber should have been more circumspect and prudent in the expression of his views more particularly because just like Honorable Pacquiao, he is supposedly also being idolized by the youth,” the House members said.

 

The lawmakers who filed the resolution were: YACAP party-list Rep. Carol Jayne Lopez, Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing, Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Seth Jalosjos, Palawan Rep. Antonio Alvarez, PBA party-list Rep. Mark Aeron Sambar, AKO BICOL party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Ating Koop party-list Rep. Isidro Lico.

 

Last week, Pacquiao was knocked out by Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez in the sixth round of their fourth fight in Las Vegas. A few days later, Bieber posted photos on Instagram poking fun at Pacquiao. The popstar also said online that American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. “has nothing to gain fighting Pacquiao.” Pacquiao, a neophyte congressman, is seeking another term as House member in 2013. He was the country's richest lawmaker last year, and was also among the top absentees in the lower chamber. The resolution must be approved by a majority of the 285 House members for it to be adopted by the lower chamber. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News