President Benigno Aquino 3rd on Monday received in Malacañang Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao.
The boxing icon paid a courtesy call on Aquino after his victory last week over American boxer Timothy Bradley Jr.
A Palace official said the President and the boxing champ probably did not discuss the latter’s tax woes.
“I think it was only a meeting between friends and an exchange of admiration and gratitude,” Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told reporters.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) earlier said Pacquiao has an unpaid tax liability of at least P2.2 billion because of his alleged failure to declare correct taxes in 2008 and 2009.
Coloma said BIR Commissioner Kim Henares has discussed the matter with Pacquiao.
But he pointed out that there was no “ill will or animosity” during those discussions.
Pacquiao reclaimed the World Boxing Organization welterweight title on Sunday after a stunning performance against Bradley.
Although failing to knock out his opponent, the “People’s Champ” won by unanimous decision.