The world's best pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao has pleaded with the public to stop prying into his private life.
 
“Alisin na natin 'yong tinatawag nating crab mentality. Nakikiusap ako sa inyong lahat na iwasan na lang natin 'yon at mag-ayos na tayo para ma-settle na," he said in an exclusive interview aired on “TV Patrol World,” Nov. 17.
 
The statement refers to rumors linking him to sexy actress Krista Ranillo.
 
Reports have it that before Pacquiao left for Las Vegas, Nevada for his match against Miguel Cotto, Krista was seen with Manny during his training in Baguio, during his relief operation for typhoon victims and during a short trip to Hong Kong.     
 
Pacquiao refused to comment on the issue, merely saying, “Bahala na sila."
 
He took a swipe at his detractors when he talked about how the Filipinos’ seeming penchant for gossip may be dragging the nation down..   
 
"Siguro, kaya hindi tayo umaasenso dahil sa pakikialam natin sa personal na buhay ng iba. Siguro, pagtuunan natin ng pansin ang dapat trabahuhin  hindi iyong  buhay nang may buhay, hindi iyong private life.”
 
He told detractors to focus on his achievements. “Magkaisa tayong lahat para masaya tayong lahat,” Pacquiao quipped.
 
The Krista rumors have reportedly cast a shadow on Pacquiao’s marriage.
 
During the Thanksgiving mass held after his most recent match, Pacquiao’s wife, Jinkee, erupted into tears when the priest, in his homily, touched on the subjects of love and family.
 
More, an ABS-CBN footage showed that Jinkee opted to turn to a female friend beside her for consolation instead of Manny who first offered it.
 
Meanwhile, in the same interview, Manny said that his political plans are all set.
 
"Wala nang pagbabago---naka-ready na ako," he said.

It can be recalled that Manny was beaten by Darlene Antonino Custodio when he ran for Congressman in the first district of Cotabato City in 2007.