Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao is scouting for land in this city where he can build houses for the poor, like what he did in his home province of Sarangani.

“Nag-start na ako magtanong-tanong kay Mayor (Evelio Leonardia) kung magkano ba ang square meter ng lupa dito. Nagtatanong ako kasi hindi naman pera ng government gagastusin ko, kundi pera ko. Nag-iisip ako na maglagay din ako dito. Tinatawag ‘yan na Pacman village (I have started asking the mayor about the price of land here. I am asking around because I will not use government funds, but my own money. I’m thinking of putting up one here, it’s called Pacquiao village),” Pacquiao said in a press conference at the mayor’s office on Thursday afternoon.

The eight-division world boxing champion, an adopted son of Bacolod, is a long-time friend of Leonardia, who has been carrying the Philippine flag during Pacquiao’s fights since 2006.

The mayor is godfather to two of the senator’s children — Queenie and Israel.

“I’m very happy, I’m back in Bacolod. Alam niyo naman malapit sa akin ang Bacolod. (You know that Bacolod is close to my heart). I’m close to Bing (Mayor Evelio Leonardia),” Pacquiao said, after meeting hundreds of Bacolodnons who converged at the main lobby of the Bacolod Government Center.

“Ang daming tao sa baba. Ako lang pala ang sinalubong. Parang Pasko. (There are so many people downstairs. They welcomed me. It’s like Christmas),” he said.

Before he left the Government Center, Pacquiao gave out balato (cash gifts) of PHP1,000 each to some 4,000 Bacolodnons who came to see him.

Leonardia said the senator shared about PHP4.1 million during his visit, which also included appearances at the pep rally for the Electric MassKara at Ayala Malls Capitol Central and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League match of Bacolod Master Sardines and Cebu Sharks at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.

Pacquiao said he is sharing his blessings to those in need, knowing that he does not own his wealth, but is just a steward of what God has blessed him.

“Being a follower of God, I share these with the people. Whatever riches you have you can’t carry it to your grave. I want to serve as an example to the wealthy people in our country, to show them that they should also help the poor,” he added.

Leonardia, who described Pacquiao as someone who is “in love with Bacolod”, said the senator’s presence is a privilege for the city.

“Today is very special for Bacolod because our adopted son has visited us. The man who loves the people of Bacolod. This is a privilege because we know how busy he is, how much in demand he is. Yet, he has found time to visit us,” he said.