Philippine senators gave an outpouring of support for their colleague, boxing icon turned lawmaker Manny Pacquiao, after he suffered a tough loss against Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas. 

Filipino senators were quick to issue statements and tweet encouraging words for Pacquiao just minutes after his unanimous decision loss to Ugas at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, United States was announced on Saturday, August 21 (Sunday, August 22, Manila time).

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Pacquiao remains a champion in his eyes. 

“He is still my champion! He made the Filipino proud!” Sotto told reporters. 

Senator Panfilo Lacson – who could become one of Pacquiao’s potential political opponents if the latter runs for Philippine president in 2022 – also praised Pacquiao for bringing “unprecedented honor” to the country. 

“Manny Pacquiao is and will always be the People’s Champ who has brought unprecedented honor to our country. I don’t think there will be another boxer in the world who can equal his feat. At least not in 100 years,” said Lacson.

“That, plus his big heart for the poor and the downtrodden. On both counts, he is the champion we always love and admire,” he added.

Senator Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said he is proud of Pacquiao both as a senator and a Filipino.

“Senator Manny Pacquiao may not have brought home this title, but he has once again proved himself a legendary fighter – the best athlete we have ever had, and the world has ever seen,” said Zubiri.

Fighting for the first time in more than two years, Pacquiao failed to reclaim the World Boxing Association super welterweight belt from Ugas, who earned the nod of the judges with a score of 115-113, 116-112, 116-112.

A political risk

It’s a costly defeat for Pacquiao, who is believed to be eyeing the Philippine presidency in the high-stakes 2022 elections that would elect Rodrigo Duterte’s successor. 

Pacquiao risked his political career by flying to Las Vegas amid infighting in his political party, the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

Pacquiao had been acting president of PDP-Laban, but a civil war among factions in the party eventually saw him and his ally, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, being stripped of their posts as party officers. 

The party had, however, also released a statement of support after the fight, saying: “We share with the nation the pain as we witnessed the loss of our boxing champ, Manny Pacquiao to his Cuban opponent, Yordenis Ugas. He fought a good fight.”

Pacquiao also made himself an enemy of Duterte when the boxing champion turned senator lamented corruption in government. 

Pre-election polls indicate Pacquiao battling it out with presidential daughter and survey frontrunner, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, in 2022. 

Pacquiao first dabbled in politics by running for congressman of Sarangani province in 2010, serving two terms until 2016. He then ran and won for senator in 2016.

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‘Fight isn’t over yet’

Despite Pacquiao’s defeat in the boxing ring, his ally Pimentel still congratulated him for his gallant effort against Ugas. 

“Congratulations pa rin sa atin Pambansang Kamao, our national treasure, Senator Manny Pacquiao, for a gallant competitive world championship fight. Pinakita niya ang katapangan at kahusayan ng pusong Pilipino sa larangan ng sports na puwede din natin magamit sa ibang aspeto ng buhay,” said Pimentel.

(Congratulations still to our People’s Champ, our national treasure, Senator Manny Pacquiao, for a gallant competitive world championship fight. He showed the world the bravery and excellence of the Filipino’s heart in sports, which can be applied in other aspects of life.)

Senator Sonny Angara also said Pacquiao should not be ashamed because “he gave it his all; Ugas fought a smart fight.”

For Senator Nancy Binay, a champion like Pacquiao is not defined by his wins but how he overcomes setbacks. 

“Time and again, Pacman has proven that he has the heart of a champion. He will come back better and stronger. Maraming salamat, Senator Manny Pacquiao. Hindi pa tapos ang laban (Thank you, Senator Manny Pacquiao. The fight isn’t over yet),” Binay said. 

In an interview right after his match against Ugas, Pacquiao said he will be making an announcement about his rumored presidential run by September.

“I will make a final announcement next month, and I don’t know. I know that I’m facing a big problem and more difficult works than boxing, but I want to help the people. I want to help them,” said Pacquiao.

The filing of candidacies for the 2022 Philippine elections will be in October. – Rappler.com