Be sensitive.

This was the reminder of Malacañang to public officials planning to watch the upcoming Pacquiao-Cotto match in the United States while the country is still reeling from the devastation left by a succession of deadly, destructive typhoons.

Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Lorelei Fajardo said avid fans of Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in government should consider the welfare of their constituents first although the Palace would leave to their good judgment whether they should watch the fight at home or abroad.

Fajardo acknowledged that public officials have the right to travel abroad and watch Pacquiao fight Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico in Las Vegas as long as they spend their personal money and "they don’t neglect their work.”

“They should be more sensitive to the plight of their constituents. I’m not saying they should stay. As I said it is their decision, not ours,” she said in a Palace news conference.

Fajardo said she is unaware of any cabinet member who would watch Pacquiao’s latest bout in the US but added that anyone planning to do so would have to seek permission from Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita before embarking on any foreign trip.

“I think they are mature and responsible individuals and they know their priorities. We don’t have to tell them what to do,” she said.

As to lawmakers, she said they should know if they have to leave the country or not given the pending bills as well as the massive rehabilitation works needed in the typhoon-hit provinces.

“Kung alam nila mas marming trabaho na naghihintay dito sa Metro Manila, pwede rin naman suportahan si Manny sa ibang paraan. Hindi naman kailangan pumunta dun,” she added.

Reports said around 20 congressmen led by House Speaker Prospero Nograles have flown to the US for meetings and vacations, including possibly watching the Pacquiao-Cotto match.

She said the Palace is also praying for the victory of Pacquiao.

“We wish Manny Pacquiao well. We are praying for him. We hope he knows that his countrymen are all supporting him,” the Palace official added.