House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. is looking to designate as head of the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs another congressman who “has more time” than Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao.
“We may appoint a new permanent chair with more time for the job,” said Belmonte, who represents the 4th district of Quezon City.
The House leader gave this statement days after the 36-year-old boxer underwent surgery on his right shoulder to repair a torn rotator cuff. The recovery period – at least for in-ring competition – may take one year.
Pacquiao, now on his second term in the House of Representatives, inherited the leadership of the panel from ex-Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello who resigned as House member last March 11 after a falling out with the Aquino administration.
There have been worries if the Saranggani lawmaker-slash-athlete could actually fulfill his duties as acting Committee chairman – and that was even before he underwent surgery.
Following his $300-million duel against Mayweather last May 3, Pacquiao was quoted to have said he wanted a “vacation”.
Manila Bulletin
