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Manila: Life in the Philippines will come to a standstill on Sunday morning as boxing icon Manny Pacquiao faces Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in their 12-round rematch in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Filipinos are hoping 29-year-old Pacquiao will trump his rival as the government, eager to exploit his popularity to its advantage, continues to promote him as the "People's Champ."
Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye said the Arroyo government is joining Filipinos in praying for Pacquiao's victory.
Rallying symbol
"We are praying for our compatriot's win. Let us hope for the best," Bunye said in a press briefing on the eve of Pacquiao's fight.
Pacquiao has been a rallying symbol for Filipinos of all political persuasions and most youngsters dream of doing the nation proud like him.
"Whatever the result of the match, we know certainly that Manny Pacquiao had prepared very hard for this. I am sure that he will fight in a way that will make all Filipinos very proud of him," Bunye said.
Bunye considers the Pacquiao-Marquez fight as a special day that brings "positive impact for the nation".
"You know every time Pacquiao has a fight the world seems to stop for Filipinos. The streets are empty of traffic and there are no crimes. It is a very special day for the Philippines," he said.
"As a Filipino, I can only say Manny is our rallying point, the symbol of Filipino courage. The Philippines is known worldwide because of Pacquiao," Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said.
Drawn fight
Ermita wished Pacquiao success in his quest to claim the World Boxing Council super featherweight belt from the Mexican, whom he first met in the ring in May 2004. The fight ended in a draw.
Pacquio's fight at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada will be attended by throngs of Filipinos despite the steep $5,000 (Dh18,350) ringside seat price tag.
According to reports, among those who will show support to Pacquiao by watching the bout from the ringside, is Vice-President Noli de Castro.
Radio station Bombo Radyo De Castro said President Gloria Arroyo's political allies, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and Environment Secretary Jose "Lito" Atienza, will also be accompanying De Castro.
Mini-truce
Time out for army
The Philippine army will briefly put on hold its battle against insurgents while political squabbling is also suspended as the country prepares to cheer on boxer Manny Pacquiao in a world title fight, news reports said.
Military chief General Hermogenes Esperon told the Philippine Star newspaper that the armed forces would have a unilateral ceasefire against the communist rebel New People's Army (NPA) from 8am (4am UAE time) today to the end of Pacquiao's match.
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