Pacquiao to lead Olympic games committee instead of committee on OFWs

People’s Champ and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao. Photo by Chris Farina / Pacquiao’s official Facebook page

MANILA — The House of Representatives on Tuesday picked AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones instead of Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao to lead the Committee on Overseas Filipino Workers Affairs.

This is despite Pacquiao’s being the most senior vice-chairman of the said committee.

The boxing champ became the de facto acting chairman following the resignation of Walden Bello in March.

He was also reported to have expressed his interest to permanently chair the panel which will also lead the forthcoming investigation into the plight of convicted drug mule, Mary Jane Veloso.

It could be noted that House Speaker Sonny Belmonte had recently expressed preference to pick a chair who is more active and present in the proceedings.

Based on records of Congress, Pacquiao has been among the list of top absentees.

House Majority Leader Neptali Goncales II, meanwhile, explained that they will ask Pacquiao to head the committee on summer Olympic games.

The said committee will be composed of 35 congressman.