MANILA, Philippines—House Speaker Prospero Nograles reported Saturday that a win by boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was the buzz in Las Vegas.

In a text message to reporters, Nograles said: "Here in Vegas now, everyone is talking about our Pacman, a national hero. Whoever I talk to, whatever nationality, they are sure that Pacman will win.’’

Nograles said the main topic of discussion was how many rounds it would take for Pacquiao to knock out Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.

Back at home, Nueva Ecija Representative Eduardo Nonato Joson likened the Pacquiao match to a "breath of fresh air in the country’s nauseating political atmosphere.’’

Joson expected almost all Filipinos to watch Pacquiao’s fight and forget all debates in the coming 2010 presidential derby.