SPEAKER Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. yesterday defended Sarangani Rep. Manny  Pacquiao from criticisms because of his absences at the House of Representatives.

Belmonte said Pacquiao’s failure to perform his legislative duties at the House of Representatives was justified by the glory and pride he brought to the country after his victory over Shane Mosley.

“Kung absent ka dahil may date ka, hindi okay iyun. Kung absent ka dahil you uphold the dignity of the country, walang problema doon,” the Speaker told reporters.

Pacquiao has not been attending sessions since November when he started training for his bout with Mosley.

Some of his critics have asked the Saranggani lawmaker to resign or retire from boxing.

Belmonte said the House will honor Pacquiao next week. He admitted that they are running out of awards to give the boxing champ. He said Pacquiao will be offered the vice chairmanship of the House Committee on Games and Amusement.

Ang Kasangga party-list Rep. Teodorico T. Haresco Jr. filed a resolution seeking to confer the Quezon Service Cross on Pacquiao for his “exceptional feat in the field of international boxing.”

In filing House Resolution No. 1202, Haresco said Pacquiao “again made the country proud and proved his mettle” as the “Pambansang Kamao” and the ‘No.1 Pound-for-Pound Boxer in the World’ by successfully defending his World Boxing Organization Super Welterweight crown in his recent fight against Mosley.

The Quezon Service Cross is the highest national order of the Philippines. It is awarded to individuals for exemplary service to the nation that brings great prestige to the Republic of the Philippines and contributes to the lasting benefit of its people. Ryan Ponce Pacpaco