Pacquiao among US National Prayer Breakfast special guests

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event hosted by the members of the US Congress that gathers thousands of religious and political leaders from around the world.

This year’s special guests include Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and Philippine’s boxing congressman Manny Pacquiao.

The Filipino congressman’s message is about his faith and how its affected his life.

The Saranggani representative said, “Unity, love one each other, that’s our emphasis. Love one another. Of course, the greatness of God and through the Lord Jesus Christ we are saved.”

National Prayer Breakfast’s Jonathan Frank said, “It’s an opportunity for people to come around and united faith, setting aside their political differences, in prayer and fellowship.”

Frank believes Pacquiao has a bigger future in Philippine politics. That is why they invited him here.

“Because he has a position with the government of the Philippines; because of him being a world renowned boxer; and being a Christian. We felt it important to the country, the Philippines, to invite him to be part of this prayer breakfast and because, who knows, he might end up being the president of the Philippines one day.”

The event was initially called Presidential Prayer Breakfast until it was changed in the 70s to its current name.

That’s why every sitting US president since Dwight Eisenhower has participated in this yearly event, including President Obama.

Obama is expected to talk about the role of faith in the society.

While here at the National Prayer Breakfast, the Pacman’s adviser Michael Koncz set aside any comments on ongoing negotiations for the Pacquiao-Mayweather mega-fight.

“No, right now we don’t have any comments on the boxing issues. We’ll just wait, see what happens and we just pray and be hopeful,” Koncz said.

Even the Pinoy boxing congressman is tight-lipped about the controversial 27.5 percent cut, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum’s takes per Pacquiao fight.

“We have no comment for now on that,”  said Pacquiao.

On a lighter note, Jinkee Pacquiao’s Instagram video singing a bible verse while the Pacman is strumming his guitar has gone viral.

Philippine Congressman Manny Pacquiao also met with some of his counterparts in the US Congress such as US Representative Janice Hahn (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev).

You may contact Don Tagala at don_tagala@abs-cbn.com for more information.