GACAL BRANDS P40 M RIGHTS FOR SOLIS FIGHT 'TSISMIS'

By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
13 Mar 2007

Manny Pacquiao’s lawyer Franklin “Jing” Gacal has branded as “tsismis” reports that Solar Sports had agreed to pay Pacquiao P40 million for free TV, cable and all other ancillary rights for his April 14 showdown against undefeated but unknown Mexican Jorge Solis.

Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today learned that Pacquiao had called the giant Philippine broadcast network ABS-CBN to inform them that he was meeting with Solar Sports CEO Peter Chanliong who flew to GenSan and was ready to sign a deal unless ABS-CBN made a counter offer. Apparently the giant network which had invested heavily in Pacquiao in the past and promoted him and his fights extensively both in the country and abroad through its TFC Filipino channel, was not prepared to engage Solar in a bidding war and pay a heavy price.

Chanliong who is currently in Miami, Florida confirmed they had acquired the TV rights but declined to disclose the amount which he said is accepted business practice. He also revealed that the fight would be telecast on RPN 9 but did not rule out the possibility that it may be aired on GMA 7, the top competitor of ABS-CBN.

Gacal who initially indicated he did not know the exact amount and branded the figure “tsismis” (gossip) at the same time he disclosed that part of whatever income Pacquiao makes will go towards his election campaign for the congressional seat in South Cotabato in May.

Gacal claimed Pacquiao was the underdog in the battle to unseat incumbent congresswoman Darlene Antonino Custodia who is seeking a third term and possesses what Gacal termed “a 20 year old machinery.” Custodio is herself known to be wealthy besides being a smart, intelligent and charming lady.

The lawyer indicated that if Pacquiao wins “we can rule it an upset because he is the underdog even as he disclosed that incumbent Mayor Pedro Acharon was supporting Custodio since they both belong to the opposition.