MANILA, Philippines—A “sickness of democracy”—that was how the Archbishop of Manila Monday described the trip to Las Vegas of some politicians so they could watch the Manny Pacquiao-David Diaz fight while much of the country was reeling from the devastation of Typhoon “Frank” (international codename: Fengshen).

Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales claimed that “pera ng bayan yung ginagastos” (public funds were spent) during the trip, which he referred to as a “junket.”

Asked about reports that a number of government officials and lawmakers had swarmed to the Mandalay Bay arena to see last weekend’s fight in which Pacquiao destroyed Diaz in nine rounds, Rosales told reporters in Filipino: “It’s a sickness of democracy. Why? Because that is what they always do when their term ends.”

Rosales, who was interviewed after celebrating Mass at the Manila Cathedral, said that politicians, even during the time of the late President Elpidio Quirino, took overseas trips when their terms were drawing to a close.

Rosales said he watched the fight at his brother’s house in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Hero’s welcome

He was the second Roman Catholic Church prelate to criticize the trip of the country’s political leaders to the United States in the wake of Frank’s powerful strike across the Philippines.

Last week, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, criticized the officials and legislators who joined President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her US trip, saying: “How can we talk of austerity and frugality in spending the people’s taxes?”

The criticisms by Rosales notwithstanding, Pacquiao’s hometown of General Santos City is preparing a hero’s welcome for the boxing idol.

Mayor Pedro Acharon said he and Rep. Darlene Custodio would lead the welcoming party and that the celebration would include a motorcade around the city.

The General Santos City government will host a victory dinner for Pacquiao and has started coordinating with schools and business establishments for the hanging of welcome streamers.

Praises from senators

The senators aren’t far behind, heaping praises on Pacquiao.

Senate President Manuel Villar said: “His win is a needed respite for the people ailing from the devastation and loss brought about by Typhoon Frank.”

Sen. Manuel Roxas II filed a resolution commending Pacquiao.

“His historic victory serves as a unifying force that provides a common ground for national unity, pride and honor among Filipinos,” Roxas said.

An unhappy priest

“He exemplified Filipino excellence at a time when his very own compatriots needed a chance to cheer amid soaring prices, a natural disaster and a slowdown in the global economy ... Pacquiao showed we can also knock out our problems.”

But a Davao City priest was not happy.

Fr. Amado Picardal said boxing was a “brutal” sport without any place in the civilized world.

“Boxing is the modern day equivalent of the gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome,” Picardal wrote in his blog. “Of course, boxers don’t try to kill each other, but many have been maimed or have even died.”

He said boxing should be banned. With reports from Gil C. Cabacungan Jr. in Manila and Aquiles Z. Zonio, Inquirer Mindanao