ESPINOSA SUES COTABATO GOVERNOR FOR FEES
Manila, Feb. 11, 1998 - Criminal charges will be filed against Cotabato Governor Hilario de Pedro for failure to pay $130,349 of the guaranteed prize for Espinosa's title defense and $10,000 for training expenses.
This developed as socialite and civic leader Rose Marie "Baby" Arenas" volunteered to help raise the money although she added that the case still stands against the perpetrators of the fraud.
"If I can raise P30 million for Luciano Pavarotti, a foreigner I did not even know, I don't see why I cannot do the same for a Filipino world champion who has brought so much honor and pride for our country," Arenas said.
Last week, Malacanang gave the Espinosa couple P1 million as financial aid in recognition of the honor the fighter gave the country by defending the crown.
De Pedro convinced Espinosa and his handlers to stage the world title defense fight in Koronadal, Cotabato last year but was unable to come up with the contracted prize money.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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