Palace: Pacquiao a ‘national treasure in global sports’

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang hailed Senator Manny Pacquiao as a “national treasure in global sports” as he regained the WBO welterweight title on Sunday, November 6.

In a statement, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Pacquiao’s win has once again “united and brought joy” to all Filipinos.

Pacquiao dethroned Jessie Vargas by unanimous decision. His win comes after a brief retirement to run for a Senate seat during the May 2016 elections. (READ: Pacquiao pounds Vargas to win WBO welterweight title)

“Once again, Manny’s triumph united and brought joy to our people and our nation,” Andanar said. “The discipline, the determination, and the hard work of our People’s Champ are truly what make him a National Treasure in Global Sports.”

The Palace also said Nonito Donaire Jr remains to be the Filipino Flash despite his loss against Jessie Magdaleno. (READ: Magdaleno outboxes Donaire to win junior featherweight title)

“Nonito Donaire’s quest to be the ‘king in the ring’ unfortunately did not materialize,” Andanar said. “This, however, would not diminish the honors he bestowed to the people and to the flag.”

The two boxers’ qualities, he added, are what the Philippines should demonstrate in order for the war on drugs to be a success.

“The courage and grit displayed by our Filipino boxers in Las Vegas are the same qualities we must demonstrate as a nation to rid society of drugs, criminality and corruption,” Andanar said.

An inspiration to Filipinos

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also congratulated Pacquiao for his victory.

“The entire PNP under the leadership of PDG Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa is very proud of our Pambansang Kamao for another outstanding feat,” it said in a statement. “Tunay ngang mabuhay ang lahing kayumanggi (Long live the Filipino people).”

Dela Rosa was in attendance during the Las Vegas fight. (READ: Dela Rosa in U.S. to… watch Pacquiao match) 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), meanwhile, hailed Pacquiao as a source of inspiration not just to the troops, but to the whole organization “who aspires to be a world-class army by 2028.”

In a statement, Army Spokesperson Colonel Benjamin Hao said the win of Army Lieutenant Colonel Pacquiao, a member of the Reserve Force, is a reminder that any Filipino can reach the top with dedication, focus, and love for the country.

“Naniniwala kami na ang kanyang panalo ay magbibigay muli ng bagong sigla sa ating mga kasundaluhan at pati na rin ng ating mga kababayan na ipagpatuloy ang tamang pagbabago para sa ikauunlad at ikatatahimik ng ating sambayanan,” Hao said.

(We believe that his win can re-energize the military and our countrymen to continue on the right path to change for the sake of our country’s progress and peace.) – Rappler.com