Hold your head high, PH officials tell Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao may have failed to clinch the victory against Floyd Mayweather Jr in their historic bout on Sunday, May 3 (Saturday, May 2 in the US), but he continued to live up to his reputation as the “People’s Champ.”  

Despite his loss, his fellow lawmakers all hailed Pacquiao for serving as an inspiration to all Filipinos all throughout his rags-to-riches journey towards boxing greatness. 

Continue to hold your head up high, Malacañang said in their message for the Filipino boxing icon. 

“Nagpapasalamat si Pangulo Aquino kay Manny sa pagbibigay niya ng inspirasyon sa bawa’t Pilipino na nagpupunyagi at lumalaban sa mga hamon ng buhay upang matamo ang isang maunlad na kinabukasan,” Palace Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said in a statement. 

(President Aquino thanks Manny for bring an inspiration to every Filipino to persevere and fight against the challenges of life to achieve a better a future)

“Patuloy nating ipinagmamalaki ang husay, gilas at tapang ni Manny Pacquiao. Sinasagisag niya ang galing at kabutihan ng bawa’t Pilipino na kayang makipag-paligsahan sa pinakamahusay sa iba’t ibang larangan – at kayang magtamo ng karangalan,”

(Let us continue to be proud of the skills, abilities, and courage of Manny Pacquiao. He symbolizes the capacity and goodnesses of every Filipino who has the ability to compete and claim honor)

It is a well-documented fact that Pacquiao grew up as a poor boy in General Santos City before rising to his stature as a world boxing icon. (Pacquiao: ‘From no food and slippers, to this life’)

Senator Sonny Angara said Pacquiao’s tenacity in life shone through during the match. 

“The Filipino people are still and will always be proud of The People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao. Despite his humble beginnings, our Pambansang Kamao has brought much inspiration, pride and honor to the nation, and is indeed a testament to the the world the unrelenting spirit of every Filipino to face with ardor and dignity all challenges that come their way. Cong. Manny will undoubtedly continue to represent the indomitable spirit of Filipinos that allows us all to aspire for greatness,” Angara said. 

For Vice President Jejomar Binay, Pacquiao’s boxing journey was more than just the battles inside the ring. 

“Manny’s life story lifts the spirit of every Filipino who struggle daily to rise from adversity. His humility and faith is an inspiration to all of us,” he said. 

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, meanwhile, patted his fellow House member at the back and said Pacquiao should have won the fight. 

“Most of us thought it was actually your fight,” Belmonte told reporters. 

“Mayweather fought a lackluster fight. Manny was more aggressive,” he added. 

Some of his colleagues in Congress, meanwhile, were less diplomatic and took a swipe at his opponent, Mayweather. 

Marikina Representative Romero Quimbo tweeted:

May just wanted to win. Period. He ignored his responsibility to uplift boxing from the ashes. That’s why he’s getting so much money…

— Miro Quimbo (@miroquimbo) May 3, 2015

… To fight, even get hurt; to give fans what they paid for. Nobody goes to watch them dance. That’s why their called fighters! Damn.

— Miro Quimbo (@miroquimbo) May 3, 2015

At least two lawmakers called for a rematch. 

Davao City Representative Karlos Alexei Nograles said: “We congratulate Cong. Manny Pacquiao for what we all believe should be his victory and for giving glory to God and country. We want a rematch! Cong. Manny deserves a rematch! Whatever comes after this, may Manny continue his good work inside and outside the ring, as there is so much more he can do, with his whole life still ahead of him.”

Valenzuela City Representative Sherwin Gatchalian tweeted:

It was a great fight. Can we have a rematch? #MayPac pic.twitter.com/G9t6Ci3jp3

— Cong. Win Gatchalian (@WinGatchalian74) May 3, 2015

A “Supreme Court Associate Justice,” meanwhile, took the comedic route:

Was this affidavit prepared by Mayweather? Because it’s so evasive and lazy.

— Marivic Leonen (@marivicleonen) May 3, 2015

– Rappler.com