Pacquiao’s claptrap

There he goes again: So-called “senator” Manny Pacquiao preaching “born-again” Christian values at every opportunity he gets.

Practically calling retired SPO3 Arturo Lascañas a hypocrite during his testimony at the Senate hearing investigating President Duterte’s involvement in extrajudicial killings, the “Pambansang Kamao” just could not help showing off. He passed judgment on Lascañas as someone insincere in light of his own (Pacquiao’s) “spiritual renewal,” forgetting what Matthew 7:1 exhorts.

Inquirer columnist John Nery’s “Pacquiao misunderstands ‘spiritual renewal”’ (Opinion, 3/7/17) would be a good read for the senator’s further education and epiphany. When it comes to proselytizing, Pacquiao is too superficial and shallow we can only wish his pastors will find the good sense to shut him up. But with tons of money allegedly thrown their way, that’s wishful thinking.

More to the point, the talkative ignoramus should “answer” Henrico Laceda’s  “Questions for Pacquiao” (Letters, 2/7/17): “If you really are a ‘born-again’ Christian, can you tell all of us in the eye that you have ‘tithed’ or set aside ‘for the Lord’ 10 percent of the billions of pesos you have earned from slugging it out in the ring, i.e., knocking the living daylights out of your opponents—in the name of and for the glory of God?”

And here’s our own question: Has Pacquiao ever thought of leaving all his earthly possessions (numerous mansions, luxury vehicles, etc. here and abroad) behind, and following Christ as ordained in Luke 18:23? With his mind set on amassing more millions of US dollars from his next fight in April, fat chance. So, Mr. Pacquiao, please spare us the sanctimonious claptrap.

ANGELI O. MARCONI, [email protected]