Pacquiao’s vow: We will rise again

MANILA—“Don’t worry, we will rise again.”

Those were Manny Pacquiao’s words when he returned to the Philippines yesterday from his fight with Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas, Nevada last Sunday.

“Babangon tayo ulit [We will rise again],” he repeated during a televised press conference at the airport.

Pacquiao said he would not retire yet from boxing even after his stunning defeat to Marquez.

“Yes lalaban ulit ako. Hindi pa naman tapos ang laban [I will fight again. The fight is not yet over],” he said.

“Hindi pa ako magreretiro [I will not retire yet],” he added.

Vice President Jejomar Binay and several congressmen were among those who welcomed Pacquiao at the airport.

Pacquiao said he will rest for five months before going back to the ring.

Government officials and fans carrying signs that read “you’re still our greatest champion and hero” welcomed Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee at the airport.

Pacquiao, who was knocked out by Mexico’s Marquez in the sixth round last weekend in Las Vegas, is scheduled to attend a concert for his fans later in the day. /inquirer with reports from AP