Duterte heard telling Pacquiao he was right in defending Bato

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, right, and Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, talk, during a news conference upon arrival from Los Angeles, CA early Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in suburban Pasay city southeast of Manila, Philippines. Pacquiao defeated Jessie Vargas in their WBO welterweight title boxing match on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 in Las Vegas via unanimous decision. AP Photo/Bullit Marquez | By Alexis Romero via Philstar

MANILA, Philippines — Boxing champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao called on President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang Monday, more than a week after his win against Mexican-American boxer Jessie Vargas.

 

The president arrived at the Music Room to meet Pacquiao at around 6:40 p.m.

 

Before the start of the meeting, Duterte raised the hands of Pacquiao and joked that the boxer can become the president.

 

“For president na ‘to ha (This is for the presidency),” Duterte said in jest. 

 

“I would like to send (my) warmest congratulations from the Filipino people and the government to the senator for doing us proud,” he added

 

Pacquiao handed Duterte a black-gold shirt with the words “fight on.” 

 

Duterte was heard telling Pacquiao that he was right in defending Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, who is in hot water for accepting free boxing tickets and an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas.

 

“What you (Pacquiao) donated is your skill. It is a donation... Your expenses, you can shoulder it. It is commensurate to your wealth,” Duterte said. 

 

“There is no criminal liability,” he added.

 

The police chief is now being probed by the Ombudsman for possible violation of laws barring government officials from receiving gifts.

 

Dela Rosa has said he is ready to go to jail if it is proven that he violated a law or the ethical standards for government personnel.