Mark Cabasag Sing Galing Duo: 2 more Guillermo: FHKA pairs added to semis 03Mr 04 Pogi 2016 www.kuwaittimes.net

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016

PH police say drug-linked mayor shot dead in jail Page 6 Your move, Mr. President MANILA: President Duterte will get a fresh report on the Paris climate agreement from Environment Secretary Gina Lopez after she returns from a cli- mate change conference later this month, Malaca?ang said on Friday. Mr. Duterte earlier expressed reluctance to honor the historic pact that intends to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, arguing that this might slow the country’s development. But his tone has since softened on the issue, saying he would listen to his advisers with regard to the international accord. Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Lopez is expected to report back to the President after her attendance at the Marrakech Climate Change Conference.

Duterte to consider staying with US weapons, despite offers SUAL: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte MANILA: U.S. Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and their Philippine counterpart fold their respective flags at the closing ceremony said he’ll consider continuing to acquire of the 33rd joint US-Philippines amphibious landing exercises dubbed PHIBLEX at the marines corps in suburban Taguig city, east of Manila, weapons and defense equipment from treaty Philippines Tuesday. The Philippine president says he will not abrogate a defense treaty with the United States but is questioning its importance and ally the United States if his military recom- that of joint combat exercises, which he says only benefit America. President Rodrigo Duterte criticized the United States and his country’s engage- mends so, despite offers from China and Russia. ment with the American military in many of his speeches as Philippine marines and their American counterparts ended combat drills a day early. —AP Duterte made the remark Wednesday in a speech in which he again railed at the U.S. with expletives for criticizing his deadly anti-drug crackdown, calling American officials “monkeys” and breaking a promise that he would no Will he survive the presidency? longer resort to trash talk. Duterte, who took office in June, has been antagonistic to U.S., EU and U.N. officials who Duterte says ‘maybe not’ have raised human rights concerns over his MANILA: Philippine President his reaching out to China and his lash- loses control when he feels he’s being brutal crackdown on illegal drug sellers and Rodrigo Duterte said Friday he may ing out at the U.S., his country’s treaty oppressed. users and have called for an end to extrajudicial not be able to survive his six-year ally, after President Barack Obama “When I’m threatened, I get scared killings. term and seemed overwhelmed by and other American officials raised but there is a certain point in my fear He has used expletives in his responses, the immensity of his work, including concerns over his anti-drug crack- when, if I think that I may die or I’m at telling President Barack Obama to “go to hell” in the drug menace he’s trying to fight. down. Duterte has been in the news a disadvantage, that I’m being an outburst last month. He has declared his Duterte, 71, outlined in a rambling in recent weeks for his expletives- oppressed, I become wild,” he said. “I intention to scale back his country’s military speech the obstacles he’s confronting laden outbursts against U.S., EU and really lose the civility in me.” engagements with Washington, including end- in his deadly crackdown on illegal U.N. officials, who have called for an Duterte, who has served as a pros- ing largescale joint combat exercises and the drugs, the heavy workload of the end to the killings of drug suspects ecutor, a congressman and then as presence of visiting U.S. forces, while reaching presidency and his cloistered exis- and raised human rights concerns. In the longtime mayor of southern out to expand once-frosty relations with China tence now, saying “it gets to be a very one speech, he told Obama to “go to Davao city, said he is not obsessed Duterte and Russia. U.S. officials, however, say they have lonely life.” “Will I survive the six years? hell.” Duterte’s trash talk has become a with the presidency and could give it head to the presidential palace, and not been formally notified by the Philippines of I’d make a prediction, maybe not,” he feature of his political persona. He up to opponents without a fight. “we’ll have coffee and I myself will any change in security relations and activities said. Duterte, who took office on June suggested Friday that he was only “Those who don’t want me, that’s swear you to run this republic and and stress that Washington wants to continue 30, did not explain exactly what he joking when he recently announced easy,” Duterte said, adding that poten- solve the problem.” “Do not give me a its decades-long alliance with Manila. meant but said there were people that he had promised God he would- tial coup plotters did not have to reason to go out because you might Continued on Page 2 who want him to be removed, citing n’t swear again. He explained that he waste their bullets and should just get your wish,” Duterte said. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 2 Duterte to consider staying with US weapons, despite offers Continued from Page 1 Asked about Duterte’s latest tirade, State Department spokesman John Kirby said it was inexplicably at odds with the close relationship that the U.S. continues to have with the Philippine govern- ment and people. He said that in a democracy, government “doesn’t rest on the shoulders of just one individual.” “There are long-standing rela- tionships that we have nurtured over the years with figures in his government, and those relation- ships are still there, and they’re still vibrant,” Kirby told reporters, adding that the U.S. remains com- mitted to developing a good working relationship with Duterte himself. Duterte said he has asked his defense secretary and military officials to travel to China and Russia to check what weapons and defense equipment they have to offer, but added that the mili- tary’s recommendation will be crucial. “China is open. Anything you want. They even sent me a brochure, SUAL: A Vietnamese fisherman (2nd R, facing camera) hugs a Filipino government employee (C, in white shirt) during a send-off ceremony at the wharf telling me to choose and they will in Sual town, Pangasinan province, north of Manila recently, while other Vietnamese fishermen prepare to board their boats. Duterte personally saw off provide,” Duterte said.—AFP 17 Vietnamese fishermen who had trespassed in Philippine waters, after ordering their release in a gesture of friendship towards Hanoi.—AFP Kidnapping threat in Philippine tourist spots: US MANILA: Terrorist groups are planning kidnap- The embassy identified three locations — mainly Catholic Philippines is home to various mili- Jolo last year. The Canadians were beheaded and pings on central Philippine islands that are popular Dalaguete and Santander on Cebu, and nearby tants groups that have in recent years sworn alle- the other two were released after ransoms were with tourists, the US embassy has warned, fuelling Sumilon island. Those areas are a short boat ride to giance to the Islamic State group. reportedly paid. concerns Islamic militants infamous for hostage tourist hotspots Bohol and Dumaguete. The most notorious is the Abu Sayyaf, a loose The Abu Sayyaf has also been blamed for the taking are roaming wider. The warning came after a surge in kidnappings network of militants formed in the 1990s with seed abductions of dozens of Indonesian and Malaysian A travel advisory from the US embassy in by Islamic militants in the southern Philippines, money from Osama bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda network, sailors in smaller vessels in the area. Last month Manila on Thursday warned Americans to avoid which included the first attack on a cargo ship in which has earned millions of dollars from kidnap- the captain of a South Korean cargo ship was the southern regions of Cebu island, one of the the high seas and the murders of foreigners after pings-for-ransom. The Abu Sayyaf is based on abducted in waters off the southern Philippines, in nation’s most popular tourist sites because of its ransoms were not paid. President Rodrigo islands about 500 kilometres (300 miles) southwest the first such attack on a large merchant vessel. idyllic beaches, spectacular diving and whale Duterte’s office released a statement on Friday of Cebu, and most often kidnap people from Duterte has launched a military offensive to watching. confirming police had reported an unspecified kid- coastal regions and vessels close to their strong- eradicate the Abu Sayyaf. “The U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens that terror- napping plan in southern Cebu and that security holds of Jolo and Basilan islands. Another extremist group, the Maute gang, was ist groups are planning to conduct kidnappings in had been increased in the area. However the militants kidnapped two blamed for a bombing in Duterte’s home town in areas frequented by foreigners on the southern The US embassy did not name who was plan- Canadians, a Norwegian and a Filipina from Samal, the southern city of Davao that left 15 people dead portion of Cebu Island,” the advisory said. ning the attacks, but the strife-torn south of the a tourist island about 500 kilometres to the east of in September. —AFP Pacquiao gives away $1 million on tickets : Manny Pacquiao waves to fans during promoted by Inc. Vargas, on the other his official weigh-in at the Encore Theater at Wynn hand, will get $2.8M outright. Las Vegas on November 4, 2016 in Las Vegas, With the lower prices, tickets to the 19,522- . Pacquiao will challenge WBO welterweight seater Thomas & Mack Center, are selling briskly, champion Jessie Vargas for his title on November 5 according to Top Rank honcho Bob Arum. at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Despite the absence of HBO, which passed off Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP this time, pay per view sales are expected to rise, LAS VEGAS-It’s easy to understand why Manny hours before the card starts at the home of the Pacquiao keeps on fighting. He’s generous to a UNLV Running Rebels, the 1990 US NCAA Division I fault. champions. For this fight against Jessie Vargas alone, In a mini press conference Thursday, Pacquiao Pacquiao has spent $1 million (roughly P48 million) disclosed that nearly 50 percent of whatever he for 2,000 tickets given away to friends, relatives and earns from boxing is channeled back to the poor fellow politicians. through free housing, hospitalization and other MANILA: Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari gestures as That’s a huge amount, considering that he’ll not general services programs. he gives a speech at the Malacanang Palace in Manila recently. An influ- be receiving the guaranteed $20 million for his It’s a good thing, sponsors continue to trust ential leader of the Philippines’ decades-long Muslim separatist insur- third fight against Timothy Bradley in April. Pacquiao’s global marketing appeal. Just this week, gency voiced support November 3 for peace efforts after rebellion According to sources, Pacquiao will be receiving Anta, China’s giant sportswear firm, formally charges against him were suspended and he held a surprise meeting an undisclosed flat rate plus a percentage of the announced that it has made Pacquiao a chief with President Rodrigo Duterte.—AFP revenues from The Legend vs The Champ fight card endorser. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 3 Sing Galing Duo: 2 more pairs added to semis KUWAIT: Two more pairs has been added and qualified to join the semi-final rounds in the on-going Pinoy Arabia FM ‘Sing Galing Duo’ competition. Auditioners will com- pete on 11th November for the semis, also to be held in Pinoy Arabia FM studio. Recent qualifiers are: David Micu, Vienna Villanueva, Francis Jaranilla and Jen Banez. Grand Finals will be held on Nov 18, 2016 at the Discovery Mall in Kuwait City. The last day of audition will be on Nov 10. Sing Galing Duo is spon- sored by Philippine Airlines, LBC, Al Rashed International Travel Company, TikTok, ADM International Manpower Services Co, Al Alamia Francis & Jen David & Viena International Manpower Services, OCT 7 OCT 13 2. Emma Lou Lanuria released individual Yazeemir International Manpower 1. Ezael Mar Jandusay 1. Richard Suico Mark Marquez grades/scores of the contestants Agency and Asia’s Grill Restaurant Marisol J. Untal Bjhane Del Mundo but it will be kept out of the and Vistaland-Kuwait. 2. John Warren Hilla OCT 28 public eye until the grand finals. Mary Ann Oriendo OCT 17 1. Ruth Aguilo The audition is open to all Here’s the rest of qualifiers: Jeffy Cambel 1. Charles Vincent Molaco Jerome Hantoc Filipinos/even for some half SEPT 28 Reichelle Ancheta Beljore Jude Camello blooded Filipinos. Champions 1. Astro Gabriel R. Jimenez OCT 29 and First prize winners are dis- Prisian Mae Caranza OCT 8 OCT 21 1. Aeronon Ore Pilola courage to participate as they 2. Nelson Jarata 1. Carlo Delfinado 1. Nomer Cervantes Donna Caryl Melendez will not be allowed to compete Joann Nazareno Joanna Slayton Ariane Linda In-house judge Jennifer Uy for the newbies. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 4

Mark Cabasag Guillermo: FHKA Mr Pogi 2016 KUWAIT: Mark Cabasag Guillermo bagged its 2nd Founding Anniversary. Philippine and members for the successful conduct 1st RUNNER UP- MR RJAY FERRER ‘Mr Pogi’ title in the recently concluded Ambassador to Kuwait Renato Pedro Villa of the program. Congratulations to all the 2nd RUNNER UP MR- NEAL NIXON JHON Filipino Heroes Kuwait Amazons (FHKA) graced the occasion with some presidents winners and see you again next year!!! ALCALA search. The event held at Elysees Hotel in and officers of various Filipino organiza- Here’s the list of winners: 3rd RUNNER UP-MR FREDDIE COLEGA- Salmiya was just few of the organization’s tions in Kuwait. Arsenia Landao, FHKA MR. FHKA POGI, 2016—MR MARK DO calendar of event for this year and part of founder would like to thank all supports CABASAG GUILLERMO 4th RUNNER UP- MR ELLIE BITONIO SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 5

PBAK 30th Anniversary Cup Team Tournament-2016 Scavengers down Asian Air Safari, MD Strikers out LEAF/Bowlersmate

By Maximo Zeus Euqor Cruz (462), Vernie Villaruel (461), Mousa Abdullah and Greetings Hermie Saliba. MD Strikers strike hard the ‘headless’ KUWAIT: There was a “Magic 8” major shakeup in the elimi- Bowlersmate (3072-2621) with previous team name of LEAF. nation round of the Philippine Bowling Association in Kuwait Bowlersmate was winless in their 3-game series 951 - 877/ - 30th Anniversary Cup Team Tournament 2016 held at COZ- 1037 - 900/ 1059 - 844. MD Strikers top scorer was Nasser MO Bowling Center in Kheifan. COZMO taken over the lead- Hajras (598), Abdul Wahab Al Shatti (555), Neveen Wasel ership, MD Strikers, Original Pin Killers, NUSANTARA and (552), Rani Skeik (524) and Alma Turley (431) while the Scavengers move up and snatched the top five positions courageous Bowlersmate were Rocky Castil (464), Joe while Asian Air Safari, All Star Strikers and Mangaf Strikers Presenta (436), Reygan Percy (373), Cris Carungay, Imelda slide to sixth, seventh and eight spots from their previous Daguio, Jelyn Colegio and Leila Cervantes. The win-lose positions. resulted to MD Strikers surge to second place while Top rank Asian Air Safari suffered their first demeaning Bowlersmate was out of the top 8 from number 7. defeat from the hands of Scavengers (2918-2693) who was The match-up between COZMO and NUSANTARA teams one of the tail- ender. Scavengers dumped their opponent in can be compared to “Goliath and David” encounter, the lane their scheduled three game series 966 - 891/981 - 842/996 - master as the colossus and NUSANTARA as the feeble team. 960. With the win-lose result Scavengers re-joined the elite In the first two games COZMO outscored their counterpart group and took the fifth spot while Air Safari was down to 906-863/1060-1037 but in the third game NUSANTARA retal- sixth position. Scavengers’ energized bowlers were Aji iated with the score of 983-975 with total score of 3016 - Varghese (517), Anthony King (507), Ali Arqoub (494), 2908 in favor of COZMO and remain the number one team Mohammad Othman (472) and Basma Ammar (457). For while NUSANTARA move up from No. 8 - No. 4 position. Top Asian Air, the players were Sonia Mathews (513), Gani dela Scorers of the winning team were Alex Cervantes (627) and Faisal Al Saleem (607) supported by Noe Mahayag, Tony Zuleta, Mohammad Karam, Bader Malalah and Neng Cervantes while best scorer from the other side was Saleh Faraj (502), assisted by Tatang Razak (476), Ahmed Fahmi (441), Erlisa, Gantosori, Abel and Bima Nitikusumo. Original Pin Killers outsmarted Fiery Dragons 2907-2848; Swooping Eagles surprised the All Star Strikers 2902-2687, finally Indian Bowling League subdued Mangaf Strikers 2835 - 2710.

Results for the Individual and Team Best : Category Name Individual Name Individual High High Men’s A Abdulaziz Al Aslawi 236 Ibrahim Al Jadi 203.30 Men’s B Siddath Nair 237 Siddath Nair 194.04 Men’s C Jason Gamba 221 Bader Malalah 188.00 Ladies A Blanca Mercado 210 Myra Manalo 172.66 Ladies B Abel Nitikusumo 169 Abel Nitikusumo 143.33

For Team High Game (Scratch) and Team High Series (Scratch): Team High Game (Scratch) Team High Series (Scratch) COZMO - 939 MD Strikers - 2968

Weekly High Series: 1. Asian Air Safari - 2931 2. LEAF - 2968 3. MD Strikers - 2972 Elijah Clyde Manalo Andrade and Mark Angelo Third round results: 1. COZMO (8873); 2. MD Strikers (8872); Manalo Andrade both celebrated their birthday last 3. Original Pin Killers (8651); 4. NUSANTARA (8613); 5. week of October 2016. “We could not believe how Scavengers (8586); 6. Asian Air Safari (8539); 7. All Star swiftly time as passes us by, Uou are such a ‘big boy’ Strikers (8458); 8. Mangaf Strikers (8448); 9. Fiery Dragons now, May you reach all your dreams and aspirations (8443); 10. Bowlersmate (8346); 11. Indian Bowling League in life. We love ! From Papa/Mama and Lolo Mandy (8261) and 12. Swooping Eagles (8241). SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 6 PH police say drug-linked mayor shot dead in jail TACLOBAN: Philippine police killed to the national police chief in August a town mayor in his jail cell yesterday in a nationally televised event. He in a purported gunbattle with offi- was later released but was arrested cers, the second killing in a week of a last month after being indicted on politician linked to illegal drugs drug and illegal possession of under the president’s brutal crack- firearm charges. down. Police estimate that more than Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. of 3,600 suspected drug dealers and Albuera town in central Leyte users have been killed since Duterte province and a fellow inmate were took office on June 30. Many of shot dead before dawn after they those killed in the initial months of fired at officers who staged a raid in the crackdown were poor drug sus- search of firearms and illegal drugs, pects, and police said “high-value police said. targets,” including mayors and drug An anti-crime watchdog has lords, would be their next target in a called for an investigation of the cir- new phase of the crackdown that cumstances of the killings, wonder- was launched last week. ing how the slain mayor and the oth- The unprecedented crackdown er inmate got hold of guns and what and killings have helped consider- prompted them to clash with several ably ease crimes, but U.S. officials led policemen while in detention. by President Barack Obama and oth- Last week, police killed another er Western governments, along with town mayor, Samsudin Dimaukom, human rights watchdogs, have been and nine of his men allegedly in a alarmed and called for an end to the gunbattle in the southern killings. One human rights advocate Philippines. Espinosa and Dimaukom has called the killings under Duterte were among more than 160 officials a “human rights calamity.” named publicly by President Rodrigo Duterte has lashed out at Obama Duterte in August as part of a shame and other critics, saying he was deal- campaign. Espinosa’s son, an alleged ing with a pandemic that has afflict- MANILA: This photo shows Leyte Albuera Mayor Ronaldo Espinosa (L) talking to Philippine National drug lord, was arrested in the United ed politics, corrupted even generals Arab Emirates’ capital city of Abu and threatened to turn the country Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa (R) at Camp Crame in Manila. Espinosa, linked to the illegal drug Dhabi last month. into what he describes as a “narco trade, was shot dead in cell on November 5, police said, the second local official implicated in narcotics After being linked by Duterte to state” similar to some Latin American to be killed in two weeks. —AFP illegal drugs, Espinosa surrendered countries.—AP Former US envoy to N Korea becomes Duterte eyes joint operations with ambassador to Philippines Malaysia vs. Abu Sayyaf WASHINGTON: Secretary of State John tial election, has been antagonistic to we must have the wisdom to recognize and MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will discuss pos- Kerry expressed confidence Thursday that Washington over human rights criticisms. adjust to that change. But the logic of our sible joint military and police operations with Malaysia to quell the U.S. relationship with the Philippines can Duterte has forged closer ties with China - alliance and why we have stood together for Abu Sayyaf militant kidnappings of sailors along the countries’ survive recent turbulence as he swore in a a blow to the Obama administration effort to so long,” Kerry said, “are as compelling today sea border, saying that the brazen attacks have paralyzed trade new U.S. ambassador to the Southeast Asian forge deeper ties with Asia. He has declared as they have ever been.” and commerce. Addressing the “deteriorating peace and order” nation. his desire to scale back military engage- Kerry met with Duterte in Manila in July in those waters will top the agenda when Duterte meets Kerry administered the oath of office to ments with the U.S. and has told President and said Thursday he hopes to visit again Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and other top officials in Sung Kim, formerly the chief U.S. envoy for Barack Obama to “go to hell.” before he ends his terms as secretary of Malaysia next week, Duterte told reporters late Tuesday. North Korea policy, in a ceremony at the But Kerry remained confident about the state. Duterte said the attacks embarrassed him because the Abu State Department. future of the 70-year alliance between the On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Ash Sayyaf perpetrators are based in the southern Philippine island Kim, a career diplomat, takes up his new U.S. and its former colony, “notwithstanding Carter said the U.S. continues to regard the of Jolo, an impoverished, jungle-clad region where the militants position in turbulent times. Outspoken a difference here or there about one thing or Philippines as an ally but stressed it isn’t hold their hostages for ransom. “There is a need for us, the three Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who another.” America’s only friend in the region, where countries Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia, to talk about this took office in June after winning a presiden- “Democratic elections bring change, and Washington has been pushing against seriously and to put a stop because it has somehow paralyzed China’s assertive behavior in the disputed the trade and commerce in that area,” Duterte said. South China Sea. He said his talks will cover border control, border crossing, “Our strategy, however, is strong and isn’t “and, maybe, joint military and police operations.” dependent upon any single one of our During a recent visit to Indonesia, Duterte said he discussed friends or allies out there. And we have possible security strategies with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo many. And there’s a huge demand for us to and the Indonesia leader was “OK with everything.” Duterte did do more. And the reason for that, quite hon- not specify the security steps. estly, just to be direct about it, is that many Despite initial talks by the three countries about ratcheting of them have concerns about Chinese up security, Abu Sayyaf gunmen and allied militants - part of a behavior,” Carter said during a question and wider Muslim rebellion that has been raging in the predomi- answer session with soldiers at Fort Leonard nantly Roman Catholic nation for decades - have continued Wood, Missouri. attacks at sea this year, kidnapping Malaysian and Indonesian Daniel Russel, top U.S. diplomat for East crewmen of slow-moving tugboats mostly pulling coal barges. Asia, told reporters in Washington on The security talks are complicated and tricky because the Thursday that Chinese coast guard, navy Philippines and Malaysia have had territorial issues and ques- and maritime militia vessels continue to be tions have arisen, for example, how far Malaysian authorities stationed near Scarborough Shoal - a dis- chasing fleeing militants can go as they approach Philippine puted reef off the northern Philippines that territory. In initial talks, the countries have considered establish- China effectively seized in 2012. But he said ing a more secure sea lane for commercial vessels as well as MANILA: Secretary of State John Kerry administers the oath of office to that some Philippine fishing boats have coordinated law enforcement actions, including sea and air Sung Kim, joined by his wife Jae, center, as U.S. Ambassador to Philippines, now been able to fish in the vicinity of the patrols. —AP Thursday, during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington. —AP shoal. —AP SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 7

FBC 76th tourney kicks-off

KUWAIT: FBC’s 76th tourney once again welcomes returning heated matches right off the bat and is set to be another stud- tagged as FBC’s “mom”. FBC is inviting all badminton addicts to champions and ushering in newcomers mostly in the ded and thrilling event. join every Friday in their regular tournaments from 8 am to 1 pm, Beginners level who have gathered to prove their skills on the On a lighter note, a surprise birthday/recognition program FBC Singles and adults/kids badminton coaching/tutorial and court to grasp the coveted championship title. The tourney was held with the collaborative efforts of all the FBC officers and court rental from 2 pm to 5 pm. For inquiries please call FBC or commenced & got off to an invigorating start with several members to one of its co-officer, Ms. Elma Falguera whom they personally come at the Kuwait Disabled Sports Club in Hawally. FBC 76th tourney kicks-off

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016

Pacquiao fights Jessie Vargas in bout that’s a tough sell LAS VEGAS: The hook for Manny Pacquiao’s latest fight is that he’s the fighting politician, as eager to take on problems in the Philippines as he is to take on other welterweights in the ring. Unfortunately for Pacquiao, at this stage of his career he needs a hook to sell his fights. Pacquiao meets a likable but relatively unknown Jessie Vargas on Saturday, with a piece of the welterweight title at stake. In the past that might have been enough to excite box- ing fans, but Pacquiao is aging and so is his appeal. He probably should have retired after not showing up for the biggest fight of his life against Floyd Mayweather Jr. He certainly should have retired after getting elected to the sen- ate in the Philippines, where he’s an ally of President Rodrigo Duterte. Yet he plods on, partly because he reportedly needs the money. He got a few million dollars to fight Timothy Bradley in April but is fighting on percentages against Vargas, so the sales pitch is necessary. Pacquiao’s longtime trainer, Freddie Roach, held out the possibility this week of a rematch with Mayweather, saying he has been told that Mayweather has been back in the ring spar- ring recently. But the first fight took five years to make and it seems a stretch to think Mayweather would come out of retirement to fight Pacquiao once again. Still, Roach says he’s convinced Pacquiao has one or two more big fights left in him. “Manny’s like the old Manny now,” Roach insisted after spending a month training Pacquiao in the Philippines. “I like this Manny a lot.” To Pacquiao’s credit he did look re-energized in April when he beat Bradley in the third fight between the two men. It was his first fight since losing to Mayweather, a loss he blamed on a bad shoulder that has since been surgically repaired. But the fight with Vargas is a tough sell, which is why pro- moter Bob Arum stacked the undercard with competitive fights and is selling tickets for as little as $50. Arum is also sell- ing the pay-per-view himself after HBO declined to take part in the distribution of the fight, and Pacquiao’s purse will largely LAS VEGAS: Manny Pacquiao, left, of the Philippines, and Jessie Vargas pose during a weigh-in, Friday, Nov. 4, depend on how well it does. 2016, in Las Vegas. The two are scheduled to fight in a welterweight title bout Sunday morning in Kuwait (Saturday “Anything north of 600,000 buys would be a big night and night in Vegas). —AP he’d make a lot of money,” Arum said. “I’m hoping he makes “He is a champion (Vargas holds the WBO version of the Arum could have easily put undefeated Terrence Crawford in money like the Manny of old.” welterweight title) so you can’t underestimate him,” Pacquiao the ring against him instead of Vargas. It’s that he turned off a Arum, of course, is way overestimating what the fight will said. “But I still feel fresh and young.” big portion of his fans in a stinker of a fight against do, but his job as Pacquiao’s promoter is to get people inter- Vargas will be fighting in his home town and is taller than Mayweather and will probably never get them back. ested. Since Vargas is not well known, it’s a difficult sell even Pacquiao. He’s also full of confidence after stopping Sadam Ali He used to sell a million pay-per-views whenever he with an attractive undercard. in March for the WBO version of the 147-pound title. stepped into the ring. But he barely sold 300,000 for his fight Pacquiao is taking a familiar path for an aging fighter, trying “When I defeat Manny Pacquiao they will see that I beat a against Bradley, and this one doesn’t figure to do any more. to squeeze a few more fights in before finally hanging up his good Manny Pacquiao who is still performing at the highest The fight features an attractive undercard that includes gloves. He’s got the right to fight whoever he wants, but fight level,” Vargas said. “That’s the Manny Pacquiao that I want to against Jessie Magdaleno, Oscar Valdez vs. fans also have the right to vote with their wallets on the beat.” Hiroshige Osawa, and Shiming Zou vs. Prasitsak Phaprom, all matchup. The real problem for Pacquiao isn’t his opponent, though in WBO title bouts. —AP Pacquiao likes to give more than he receives

LAS VEGAS: Boxer Manny Pacquiao, known as “But I don’t like to announce it.” fishermen in a coastal community. for the upcoming fight against Jessie Vargas. the people’s champion in his native According to Forbes, Pacquiao’s income Pacquiao says he needs to keep fighting so “I enjoy politics because I do not have a Philippines, says he has given away about $200 from career purses and endorsements is he can continue the charity work that has hidden agenda. I serve honestly,” he said. million on projects to help the less fortunate. around $500 million. done throughout much of his 21-year boxing “That’s a good thing for me because I’m “Every income I receive in boxing, almost Pacquiao has a number of projects under- career. Pacquiao was elected to the Philippine not ashamed to tell the truth. I’m not half of it goes to the less fortunate,” Pacquiao way in the Philippines including building Senate in May. He sits on 15 committees, two ashamed to rebuke someone if they are doing said. “After each fight, half of my income goes 1,500 homes on the island of Mindanao. He of which he chairs. His Senate duties have wrong. Government is for serving the people, to the poor. also helped to buy a fleet of new boats for meant he has only been able to train part-time not for serving oneself.” —AFP