Despite ‘rebel’ role, Army promotes Sgt Pacquiao
By Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 04:39pm (Mla time) 10/11/2007
MANILA, Philippine -- He may play a rebel in his upcoming movie, but boxing hero Manny Pacquiao, an Army reservist, was promoted to the next highest rank, a spokesman for the Philippine Army said Thursday.
Pacquiao was promoted to master sergeant from technical sergeant for "bringing distinct honor" to the Army and the country, after he defeated Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera again during their rematch in Las Vegas last Sunday via a unanimous decision, said Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Torres Jr.
In his self-produced solo movie "Anak ng Kumander," Pacquiao portrays a rebel. His co-star, sexy actress Ara Mina, plays a reporter covering the conflict.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon Jr. defended Pacquiao's promotion, saying, "he deserved it."
Esperon also said Pacquiao's movie role would not affect his promotion.
"Well, let's separate movies from real life. That's purely acting," the military chief told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.
"That's the fact of being in showbiz, sometimes you can be a very good person, but you are given a bad role… So don't blame the guy for pursuing an artistic pursuit," he said.
Pacquiao returned to yet another hero's welcome in the capital on Thursday.
I think he would make a good officer because he has true grit, motivation and dedication plus he came from a poor family environment so he knows hardships and can probably teach everyone some lessons. Why not?
| QUOTE (desertranger @ Oct 12 2007, 10:56 AM) |
| You see Loren Legarda and the rest as LTC.... Hmmmmm My Goodness.... But one thing I distinctly remember is that when she was campaigning a few years ago I saw her and she sure has nice legs... Hmmm anyone got her phone number or email add? She'd make a good COL in the reserves..... Thats just my opinion though |
She's no longer interested of being a Colonel in the Reserves, she's aiming for the Commander in Chief post. But she sure has nice legs... :aberet:
| QUOTE (saver111 @ Oct 13 2007, 07:11 PM) |
| She's no longer interested of being a Colonel in the Reserves, she's aiming for the Commander in Chief post. But she sure has nice legs... :aberet: |
Well after all she is an MNSA graduate, why not, never seen her legs thou.
Another promotion awaits the Pacman
| QUOTE |
Unprecedented promotion
Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said deliberations are being held to determine if Pacquiao would qualify for the rank of a Senior Master Sergeant – first of the three highest ranks for enlisted personnel.
Brawner said that aside from the promotion, the AFP would also give Pacquiao a military medal upon his return.
The rank of Senior Master Sergeant is one of the highest ranks an enlisted military personnel, active or reserve, can get.
The two others are Chief Master Sergeant and First Master Sergeant.
Ordinarily, enlisted personnel can best reach the rank of a Master Sergeant before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Brawner said that in the case of M/Sgt Pacquiao, his successful campaign against Hatton is an exceptional one, making not only the entire AFP proud, but most importantly the country and the Filipino people worldwide.
Pacquiao in his younger days dreamed of becoming a soldier, and was enlisted in the military reserve force as an Army Private by Gen. Alexander Yano, who retired recently.
Yano was then brigade commander based in Sarangani province when the two became friends. |