MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – It is pretty much a given that whenever Manny Pacquiao has a scheduled fight, the Philippines comes to a stand still.

The Philippine military and the rebel groups declare a ceasefire, crime rate drops to zero, and road traffic becomes nonexistent.

The May 2nd (May 3 in the Philippines) championship fight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is no exception… and more.

President NoyNoy Aquino has declared May 3rd a National (nonworking) Holiday, and the House of Representatives will go on a 7-day recess, from April 28 to May 3rd.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. told The Adobo Chronicles that he had no choice but to declare a recess because “there’s just not going to be a quorum to be able to conduct official business.”

More than two-thirds of the 290-member House of Representatives will be flying to Las Vegas to be at ringside to support their esteemed colleague.  Pacquiao is an elected representative from his native province of Sarangani.  How they got their tickets and who’s paying for them were not exactly clear.

It is not uncommon for Pacquiao to charter a passenger plane so that his family, colleagues and selected fans can attend his fight in person.

Congress resumes its regular session on May 4th, although many expect that majority of members will be absent, as they will still be dealing with jet lag from the almost 18-hour flight from Las Vegas to Manila.