The Commission on Elections yesterday said it has approved Manny Pacquiao's applications for exemptions to the gun ban being enforced for the May elections. The applications cover 20 guns for the boxing champion's bodyguards.
Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer said
Pacquiao, a “high-profile” personality
with millions in winnings from his boxing matches, and his family need
protection. “I approved it by myself,” Ferrer told reporters at the sidelines
of the meeting among officials of the Comelec and the justice and education
departments at the Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City.
Ferrer also said Pacquiao’s “living in a troubled area” is enough reason to
approve all the 20 applications for exemption. Pacquiao, who is from General Santos City,
filed his application for exemption Comelec last week.
Ferrer said other personalities have
sought exemptions, including the “son of this mayor from Metro Manila.” He said
the Comelec denied him exemption “because he put as justification that he is a
‘councilor.”