Its not just Filipinos but the whole of Asia who is proud of Manny Pacquiao. Photo Illustration by Jude Bautista

Written by

Jude Bautista

Manila Bulletin broke the story: PACQUIAO BANK DEPOSITS FROZEN. Even when I saw the headline there was a part of me that didn’t believe it or thought they were mistaken. I was STILL giving the BIR the benefit of the doubt. The Bureau of Internal Revenue froze Pacquiao’s assets over allegations of non-payment of taxes during the 2008-09. Timing could not have been worse too, the very next day after Pacquiao beat Rios.

Late 2012, Pacquiao was winning the fight until Juan Manuel Marquez landed a deadly right hand that sent our champion to the canvas. THE BIR is a more wrathful opponent than the tough Mexican.

Pacquiao lies face down in fight against Marquez. THE BIR is a more wrathful opponent than the tough Mexican.

What makes the case obviously a pure form of harassment in the eyes of Filipinos is when and where it was supposed to have happened. The BIR was going after 2008-09 where fights in the U.S. occurred. They were questioning earnings from Pay per view from HBO and Top Rank purses. ANY OFW who has worked in the U.S. can tell you that Manny Pacquiao can’t cheat on the taxes EVEN IF he WANTED to. The system will not allow him to from beginning to end.

The witch-hunt of BIR on our Pambansang Kamao may possibly be the last straw that will pull the Aquino Administration down in the eyes of the people. Photo Illustration by Jude Bautista

Every dollar of pay per view revenue is proudly published, so and so fight garnered a million or so purchases and so on. HBO has NO CHOICE but to pay the dreaded IRS, Internal Revenue Service the correct taxes dues there. TOP Rank is in the same boat. Fight purses are publicized as soon as the deal is signed and concretized. EVERYONE knows how much Pacquiao and whomever else he’s fighting is getting paid.

Pacquiao Rios poster at Venetian Macau.

Before the BIR Commissioner Kim Henares was even BORN the U.S. Internal Revenue Service is far more feared by the mafia and citizens than the FBI! That’s how they prosecuted mafia king pin Al Capone through non-payment of taxes for earnings. Robert Deniro played Capone in Oscar award winning film THE UNTOUCHABLES. He has an upcoming boxing themed film with Sylvester Stallone in GRUDGE MATCH. It’s going to be Raging Bull vs Rocky.

Its not just Filipinos but the whole of Asia who is proud of Manny Pacquiao.

Going back, any OFW will tell you that even before Pacquiao receives a cent from the fight purse, from the pay per view, TOP RANK and HBO are ALREADY obligated to DEDUCT taxes from it. They know that because that’s what happens every time THEY get a paycheck. It’s a painful realization once you receive your hard earned paycheck the first time and WONDER where 30% of it went that’s taxes.

Top Rank’s Bob Arum made a great match in Pacquiao Rios.

Yao Ming poses with both camps.

IMPEDING PACQUIAO’S RELIEF EFFORTS

IF the consequence of the BIR harassment was merely the delay or difficulty on someone who is recognized as the face of the Filipino nation, maybe just MAYBE we’d be more forgiving. But the consequences are far more immediate and damaging. Pacquiao has already earmarked millions of pesos for relief goods to the victims of YOLANDA typhoon. And because Manny realizes the URGENT need to help he has actually borrowed money JUST to be able to donate.  And yes, the People’s Champ will be pushing through with his relief distribution on November 30, which is Bonifacio Day. The day is auspicious Andres Bonifacio is known as The Great Plebian. By freezing Pacquiao’s assets the BIR is heartlessly IMPEDING aid to our devastated kababayan. This is the kind of mindless, heartless, unforgiving bureaucracy that we have been saddled with and is correctly IDENTIFIED with PNOY’s daang matuwid.

A fan uses an i-Pad to capture the action.

Jingkee Pacquiao is 4 months pregnant with the couple’s 5th child.

This is the kind of harassment and incident that sparks a revolution and call to action. It’s an injustice that creates a very painful chain of events affecting everyone. IF the BIR is truly sincere in going after bogus SALNs then why not freeze Senator Enrile’s, Jinggoy’s or Revilla’s assets? The DOJ and the Ombudsman are ALREADY investigating them.

If the consequence were just a mere legal difficulty for Pacquiao, people would be more forgiving. But the BIR is impeding millions of pesos from being given to our kababayan in badly need of relief in Tacloban, Samar, Palawan and Cebu. Photo Illustration by Jude Bautista

If the consequence were just a mere legal difficulty for Pacquiao, people would be more forgiving. But the BIR is impeding millions of pesos from being given to our kababayan in badly need of relief in Tacloban, Samar, Palawan and Cebu. Photo Illustration by Jude Bautista

Its not just Filipinos but the whole of Asia who is proud of Manny Pacquiao. Photo Illustration by Jude Bautista

TAX DOLLARS AT WORK

As hard as it may be to believe, I think nearly ALL Filipinos want to pay correct taxes. We all have friends and relatives who have worked and lived abroad: U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Canada and so on. And the taxes in these countries can be an incredible burden (30-40%) but why is it that our countrymen, our family members prefer to WORK abroad in spite of these taxes?

Pacquiao dominated Rios with quick footwork and hand speed through out the fight last November 24, 2013.

The very consistent answer is that they SEE their tax dollars at work. Cops are there when you need them, roads and bridges are well managed there’s a true social service at work. IN New Zealand there’s a functioning health care system. My own sister in law Hazel (based in Auckland) gave birth in hospital several times without spending a cent. So as painful as it may be to pay those taxes you know the money is going to good use. You benefit from it as an individual and society as a whole.

Its not just Filipinos but the whole of Asia who is proud of Manny Pacquiao. He posed at the Great Wall of China as a promo for the fight with Rios. Photo Illustration by Jude Bautista

Possible Downfall

The problem is that in spite of PNOY’s much publicized and ballyhooed Daang Matuwid, this is the same time we are rocked by a billion-peso corruption scandal in the Napoles case. Aggravating this problem is the ineptitude of the administration in managing the YOLANDA relief efforts. Foreign journalists, agencies were asking repeatedly what central AGENCY handles the transport going to and FROM the disaster areas. Which central government agency was assigning ALL relief goods going where? Malacañang could not CLEARLY answer these simple and very VITAL questions.

The witch-hunt of BIR on our Pambansang Kamao may possibly be the last straw that will pull the Aquino Administration down in the eyes of the people. Photo Illustration by Jude Bautista

As a literate Filipino the immediate answer from the top of my head is the NDRRMC, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. But obviously it’s NOT functioning that way otherwise why would they even NEED to ask? AND why were so many people STILL not being reached weeks AFTER the disaster? Goods and services have been pouring in from all over the world. THIS could have been a shining hour for Mar Roxas and P-Noy. WE ALL want and need the relief efforts to WORK and function but it hasn’t. Its not just Anderson Cooper of CNN but other foreign agencies, foreign journalists are all saying the same thing.

Its not just Filipinos but the whole of Asia who is proud of Manny Pacquiao. Photo Illustration by Jude Bautista

And what does the NEXT headline say? BIR freezes Pacquiao’s assets impeding him from helping Yolanda victims. The ultimate consequence of BIR’s harassment on Pacquiao may prove to be the downfall of the whole Aquino Administration’s already sagging popularity.

Its not just Filipinos but the whole of Asia who is proud of Manny Pacquiao. He posed at the Great Wall of China as a promo for the fight with Rios. Photo Illustration by Jude Bautista

Manny Pacquiao rose from the mire of poverty to become the greatest of all time. His story is one that gives hope. Photo Illustration by Jude Bautista

Written by

Jude Bautista

No one could have written a more dramatic series of events before the Pacquiao Rios bout. Just a few weeks the most powerful typhoon to ever hit land in recorded history decimated the homes of an estimated 10 million people. The extremely conservative total number of lives lost from YOLANDA as counted by the NDRRMC is already at 5,240 (November 26, 13). The original screaming headlines of 10,000 lives lost is not an exaggeration as there are still towns that have not been reached by help or assistance.

Manny And Brandon during the press con for the fight.

SMART Communications is the only Filipino company to be a major sponsor, putting their logo on the ring canvas. Puerto Rican Felix Verdejo pummelled Thai Petchsamutha Duanaaymukdahan in a preparatory fight. Verdejo is one of Top Rank’s rising stars.

Reality it seems truly is wilder than fiction. As a sports fan, as a writer no one could conceive of someone like Pacquiao. He was wandering the streets of Manila as a homeless street child, when he was lucky enough to be part of Mayor Lito Atenza’s youth program for boxing. In a very recent interview in HBO’s 24/7 he said, “My family would not always have something to eat. That’s what happened to us.”

from right: Gov Chavit Singson, Manny Pacquiao and wife Jingkee arrive at the Cotai Arena.

Who could believe that anyone could rise from that win titles in 8 different weight divisions and be considered as the Greatest Of All Time? Pacquiao has beaten 4 fighters destined for the Hall of fame: Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Oscar Dela Hoya and Juan Manuel Marquez. NBA Commissioner David Stern in a recent interview with Anthony Suntay had no doubt in his mind Pacquiao is the Greatest boxer of all time. Stern is himself considered as the most accomplished Executive in all of sports.

David Beckham visits Manny in his locker room before the fight. They originally met in Manila when the L.A Galaxy played an exhibition game against the Askals and David became an instant fan.

Pacquiao’s fans include Celebs like Paris Hilton

If there was anyone who knows the suffering of his people its Manny. And for the first time since training at the now legendary WILD CARD Gym in L.A. he decided to train in his hometown of General Santos City. Was it providential? In the days after the disaster Coach Freddie Roach had to stop Manny from going to the devastated areas. So he could still be in ‘fight mode’. There’s no telling how Pacquiao would be affected mentally. This was the same man who openly wept when his province mates were affected by typhoon PABLO just a year ago. Instead of thinking of himself and nursing his injuries he insisted on celebrating his birthday with the typhoon victims and distributing relief goods after Juan Manuel Marquez knocked him out. Even in his lowest of lows. His thoughts were for his people.

Rios reportedly gained too much weight after the weigh ins, which explains why he was so much slower than Pacquiao.

Rivalry Captured 24/7

The conflict between Freddie Roach and fitness guru Alex Ariza was confirmed when Ariza was kicked out and became part of the Rios camp. Ariza was rumored to have been overstepping his fitness role and mapping out strategy and boxing wanting to push out Roach. The relationship between Freddie and Manny has become more than just trainer and boxer which is closer to father and son. During training camp, Freddie Roach was awarded as an official ‘Son of General Santos City.’ The 24/7 crew was able to capture Roach being hounded by fans all over the city prompting Roach to say, “this would be a great place to retire.”

Freddie Roach is more than just a trainer for Manny Pacquiao.

A shot of the giant screen in the Cotai Arena at the Venetian Macau.

The sound byte was telling, in nearly all other interviews, in other networks it would be very difficult to discern what he’s saying. But the production quality is such that 24/7 was able to capture his speech clearly through the difficulties of Parkinson’s disease. HBO’s 24/7 has been the envy of the UFC. The cinematic style of the documentary creates a more complete picture of the fighter’s lives a week leading into the main event.

Michael Buffer is accompanied by hot TOP RANK Girls- The Knockouts

Brandon Rios is in high spirits in spite of boos from the crowd.

And because the cameras are on 24/7 it was able to capture a real incident between Ariza and Roach. When Roach approached the Rios’ trainer Robert Garcia that it was their turn to use the gym, Alex Ariza kicked Roach in the chest and was aping the stuttering of Roach. Although ABS CBN cameras captured it they edited out the portion where Ariza was making fun of Roach’s disease. For me, its derogatory not to Roach but more for Ariza. He has revealed himself to be the true villain by physically attacking someone afflicted with Parkinson’s and then taunting him for it. NO matter what Roach supposedly said to antagonize them, there’s no way you can justify their actions.

right: Rios Camp’s 2nd Asst Trainer Douglas Leary just a day before was going wild wanting to tear Freddie Roach’s head off. That was AFTER Alex Ariza kicked Roach who is stricken with Parkinson’s disease. In this pic, Leary calmly watches Freddie put tape on Manny.

Grudge Match cast from left: Sylvester Stallone, Allan Arkin, Kevin Hart and Robert Deniro. The film will be released this Christmas in the U.S. and January 2014 in the Philippines.

Over the years, 16 to be exact Roach has slowly morphed into Mickey the trainer in ROCKY I who first trained him and tries to get a second chance. Burgess Meredith played the role of the small old Irish actor who has taken too many punches as a fighter and is now a trainer. Sylvester Stallone has a new film with another icon, Robert Deniro in a boxing film/comedy GRUDGE MATCH. Comedian Kevin Hart is a manager trying to revive an old rivalry between two retired boxers. Alan Arkin and Kim Basinger are also in the cast.

Manny is flanked from left: by Trainer Freddie Roach and Gov Chavit Singson

American Idol second placer Jessica Sanchez was the best possible choice to sing The Star Spangled Banner and Lupang Hinirang before the Pacquiao vs Rios bout at the Cotai Arena in Macau, China last November 24, 2013.

By November 24^th day of the fight, American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez literally set the tone singing both the Star Spangled Banner and Lupang Hinirang. Putting a regal twist at the ends of both national anthems that only she could. Filipinos filled the Cotai Arena in Macau and were visibly moved by Jessica’s rendition of their national anthem at this time of crisis.

Pacquiao was the biggest fight of Rios’ career.

left: Rios slips and was NOT knocked down in the 1st rd but is overwhelmed by the fast punches of Pacquiao

Asst Trainer Buboy Fernandez repeats Roach’s instructions in Filipino at Pacquiao’s corner.

left: Puerto Rican contender Miguel Cotto watches Pacquiao dominate the younger Rios.

Too Fast and Furious

Pacquiao’s strengths fell into place as the perfect weapons to Rios weaknesses. Immediately from the early rounds Pacquiao’s quick footwork and hand speed overwhelmed his opponent. Rios is described as ‘plodding’ by a number of U.S. boxing analysts. The damage was soon apparent on Rios’ face. By the 5^th round his right eye was swelling, by the 6^th his left eye was cut.

Rios had a cut on the left eye and swelling on the right by the 6th round.

Mommy Dionisia was a nervous wreck watching her son (Manny) fight. This time she did not faint as she did in the Marquez fight.

Pacquiao lands punches from different angles on Rios.

Pacquiao’s wife Jingkee (center) is 4 months pregnant.

It was more a question of will Manny put him down. Larry Merchant said of Rios, “He came, he saw, he is being conquered.” And for some it wasn’t a question of ability to knock him out but rather his willingness. Legendary Filipino Sports columnist Quinito Henson quoted a famous confidant of the fighter of the decade awardee: Gov. Luis (Chavit) Singson said Pacquiao may be losing his killer’s instinct. “Rios was beaten up and I think Manny didn’t want to hurt him any more,” he said. “It probably has something to do with his Christian beliefs. But that doesn’t mean it won’t come back. If ever he fights (Floyd) Mayweather, that’s a different story. I think he’ll need that killer’s instinct to beat him.”

Manny Pacquiao lands left right combos on Brandon Rios.

Columnist Quinito Henson was disappointed by the refereeing of Genaro Rodriguez who did not contain Rios dirty tactics.

After seeing how broken Rios was physically Singson surmised that Pacquiao intentionally did not give more punishment not wanting to give permanent damage.

So the fight went the whole 12 rounds with a dominant unanimous decision by Pacquiao. Henson also has an analysis of why certain judges scored the bout in the same article. In an another column Henson was able to reveal the new secret weapon of the Pacquiao camp: Gavin McMillan a new conditioning consultant.  The departure of Alex Ariza as strength and conditioning coach was also beneficial as Pacquiao no longer has cramps and back pains as in previous fights. McMillan on the other hand has also increased Manny’s athleticism.

Pacquiao raises his arm in victory against Rios by unanimous decision.

Pacquiao hugs Rios the way he always does with all of his opponents.

Pacquiao even before the fight was already planning his relief efforts to Samar, Palawan, Cebu and Tacloban. On the surface its just one boxing match one brilliant performance in admittedly a brutal but also physically and mentally challenging sport. Look deeper, look at the eyes of the dispossessed, the poorest of the poor in the farthest reaches of the Philippine archipelago, it means so much more.

Team Pacquiao had a secret weapon, read article to find out. Photo Illustration by Jude Bautista

A shot of the giant screen in the Cotai Arena at the Venetian Macau last Nov 24, 2013.

He rose from the mire of poverty to become one of the greatest of all time. His story is one that gives hope. His loss is our loss his victory is our victory. He’s not indestructible suffering recent loss from Bradley then Marquez. But just as he suffered he has also proven to overcome against Rios, just as we will as a nation. As Filipinos we’ll look back at this time and say yes I was alive when he was fighting and winning for us.

Alex Ariza gives Manny Pacquiao a congratulatory hug, watch out for his high kick!

Manny’s loss is our loss his victory is our victory. Photo Illustration by Jude Bautista