President Benigno Noynoy Aquino III finally returned home after delay of about 12 hours in the wake of heavy rains triggered by tropical storm Bebeng.

In his arrival speech, the President quickly cited the new triumph of pound for pound icon Sarangani Rep. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in defending the WBO Welterweight title over Shane Mosley in Las Vegas Sunday, Manila time.

“Nagtamo na naman ng karangalan dahil sa panalo ng ating pambansang kamaong si Manny Pacquiao, at mas lalo pa dahil sa isa na namang karangalan: ngayon po, malinaw na malinaw ang pagkilala sa atin ng ASEAN bilang isang masigla, masigasig, at matulunging kapitbahay, ‘the President said.

Earlier, the President disclosed he has already talked with Pacquiao and apologized for not being able to view his bout owing to his hectic schedule at the 18th Association of southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) summit held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The President was with other ASEAN leaders during the retreat session when the Pacquiao Mosley fight was going on.

The President arrived aboard a chartered flight at the Bulwagang Kalaayan at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City shortly after noon yesterday.   With Itchie G. Cabayan