Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, right, presents gifts to Filipino boxing champion and Congressman Manny Pacquiao during his courtesy call at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines Friday, May 20, 2011. The two met for more than an hour to discuss their differing positions in the controversial Reproductive Health Bill being debated in Congress with Pacquiao voicing his opposition.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that Pacquiao assured that he understands President Aquino’s stand on the issue, but clarified that Malacanang is not expecting the boxing icon to change sides in the RH bill debate.
Pacquiao had said that he believes the Philippines does not need to have a legislated RH program, which promotes both the natural and artificial methods of family planning.
Pacquiao successfully defended his WBO Welterweight title fight with Sugar Shane Mosley in Las Vegas recently.
