Why Pacquiao Won’t Lead House Committee on OFWs
by RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News
Posted at 05/19/2015 9:38 PM | Updated as of 05/19/2015 9:45 PM
MANILA – Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao has lost another battle, roughly 2 weeks after losing his biggest match in the boxing ring against Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday did not pick Pacquiao to permanently head the Committee on Overseas Filipino Workers Affairs, of which he is currently the most senior vice-chairman.
Pacquiao was de facto acting chairman following the resignation of Walden Bello, who chaired the committee until his resignation in March.
The plenary opted to elect AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones to head the committee.
House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said the House will instead create a special committee on the summer Olympic games that Pacquiao will head. It will have 35 congressman.
Pacquiao was initially expected to lead the OFW committee’s forthcoming investigation into the plight of convicted drug mule Mary Jane Veloso.
Pacquiao had joined the calls for a stay in Veloso’s execution.
He also reportedly wanted to permanently chair the House panel.
Llast week, House Speaker Sonny Belmonte expressed preference for a chair who is more active and present in the proceedings.
Pacquiao has been one of the top absentees in Congress.
Belmonte also said that the committee was originlly intended for a Liberal Party congressman but was instead given to a party-list ally.
Pacquiao is a member of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance of Vice-President Jejomar Binay.