MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Manuel Villar, Nacionalista Party standard-bearer, lauded Pacquiao for the perseverance that made him the greatest boxer in the world.

In a statement on Sunday, Villar said Pacquiao?s win over the Ghanian boxer Joshua Clottey was yet another proof that with "perseverance, anyone can overcome any obstacle."

Villar?s statement tries to bring to mind his own rags-to-riches campaign message, which has been using the "Sipag at Tiyaga" (Industry and Perseverance) slogan.

"Isang halimbawa si Manny na kaya nating talunin ang kahirapan, na magaling ang Pilipino, at karapat-dapat lamang na kilalanin ng buong mundo. Mabuhay ka, Manny! (Manny is an example that we can defeat poverty, that the Filipino people are excellent and competent and they deserve to be known in the world. Long live, Manny!" Villar said.

Pacquiao is running for Congress in the lone district of Saranggani under the Villar ticket in the May 10 elections.

The boxer was a staunch ally of President Macapagal Arroyo before defecting to the NP camp.

Pacquiao had announced he would join Villar?s campaign sorties upon his return to the country after his fight.