Let’s pray for Pacquiao, says Palace

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang is calling on the Filipino people to pray for boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who lost by knockout to Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez on Sunday, December 9.

“Nawa’y sama-sama po nating ipanalangin ang panunumbalik ng kanyang sigla’t lakas (Let’s all pray for his zeal and strength), Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

Pacquiao was admitted to a hospital after the knockout punch. In an interview with GMA Network Sunday evening, Pacquiao said “everything is fine.”

Lacierda said Pacquiao’s loss doesn’t diminish the honor he has given the country. He also lauded Pacquiao’s humility in accepting defeat.

“Nothing will change. The Filipino people will continue to support him,” Lacierda added.

‘Heart of a champion’

Vice President Jejomar Binay also released a statement saying that in spite his loss, Pacquiao showed the true heart of champion.

“Manny trained hard and he fought hard in the ring. He has shown that he has the true heart of a champion and made us all proud to be Filipinos,” Binay said.

“I am certain that Manny will rise from this adversity a better and stronger person with his faith in the Almighty even more unshakeable. We are proud of you, Manny,” Binay added.

‘He will rise up again’

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, meanwhile, said his fellow Mindanaoan will rise up again, just like the victims of typhoon Pablo (Bopha).

“True champions are measured with how rise after defeat. We all witnessed Manny’s determination for this fight and at the same time how worried he was for his people in Sarangani and our fellow Mindanaoans affected by typhoon Pablo which devastated thousands of our kababayans,” Pimentel said in a statement.

“Filipinos are truly resilient and through bayanihan, we will rise again over Pablo and just like our true champion Manny Pacquiao, he will rise again and fight even harder. Mabuhay ka Manny,” he added. – Rappler.com