MANILA, Philippines – Several lawmakers rejoiced and hailed their colleague, Sen. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, who outboxed erstwhile undefeated American Keith Thurman in their World Boxing Association unified welterweight title fight in Las Vegas, Nevada Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila).
Senate President Tito Sotto and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, along with several congressmen, watched a live screening of Pacquiao’s fight at a mall in Makati City.
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Following Pacquiao’s split decision victory, Sotto noted how his fellow senator still has the power and skills to deliver a win for Filipinos.
“Kitang-kita pa rin talagang andun pa rin yung lakas ni Manny tsaka yung power niya, yung galing nya. Kinabahan langa ako ng konti dahil hindi unanimous decision. Nakapagtataka. Tingin ko out of 12 rounds, mga sampung round ang kay Manny,” Sotto told reporters.
(Manny still has the strength, power and skills. I was a bit nervous when it was announced that the result is a split decision. I thought Manny maybe, won 10 rounds)
Dela Rosa, who was very animated with his reactions during the match each time Pacquiao hit Thurman, said that the crime rate in the country may have dropped to zero to monitor the senator’s match.
“Kinabahan nung sinabing split decision bakit naging split yun? Very one-sided man yun. Kinabahan ako pero confident ako na siguradong mananalo tayo. I’m very proud of my kumpare Senator Manny Pacquiao. Very proud once again ang Pilipinas ay masaya ngayon. Siguro, zero crime rate na naman tayo ngayon,” Dela Rosa said.
(I was anxious when a split decision was announced. The fight was so one-sided, how did it become a split decision? But I was still confident that we will win. I’m so proud of my colleague and friend! The Philippines is also very proud and happy. Perhaps we have a zero crime rate now).
Meanwhile, Senator Miguel Zubiri said that Pacquiao’s “smells of glory & country, not blood, not money.”
He added that the Pacquiao became a world idol in the boxing world.
“He is a fighter’s fighter. Boxers dream of fighting like him ever since his younger days in Mindanao. We are all familiar how he punched his way and collected belts under different weight divisions and boxing councils,” Zubiri said in a statement.
“Through victories and defeats, Manny became THE boxing idol. All countries want to raise their own Pacquiaos,” he added.
“The world saw it was not just his fists that brought him victories; it was intelligence, fairness and nobility. Manny could fill boxing books with his distinct winning strategies and style,” he said.
Senator Sonny Angara said the victory of Manny is a “giant celebration” for the country.
He said that this recent win of Pacquiao only shows why the public love him “to the moon and back.”
“By Monday, my friend and colleague will step again into the Senate ring to join the fight against our ancient enemies – hunger, joblessness, poverty,” Angara said in a separate statement.
“Expect him to bring the same spunk he had shown in boxing to this unfinished fight of his life,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva said that Pacquiao’s win showed the strength, might, and perseverance of a Filipino athlete, saying that the Filipino boxer is an inspiration to Filipinos.
“Tulad po ng ating mga kababayan na patuloy na lumalaban sa kabila ng hirap ng buhay, hindi po inurungan ng ating Pambansang Kamao ang bawat hamon sa loob at maging sa labas ng ring,” Villanueva said.
“Ang tagumpay po ni Sen. Manny ay tunay na isang inspirasyon sa bawat Pilipino,” he added.
Senator Lito Lapid also pointed out Pacquiao’s determination and love for country.
“Taos-puso pong pagbati kay Senator Manny Pacquiao sa isa na namang pagpapamalas ng galing ng Pinoy sa buong mundo! Hanga kami sa iyong determinasyon, dedikasyon at pagmamahal sa bayan Sen. Manny, at patuloy naming ipagdarangal ang tawagin kang People’s Champ!” Lapid said. /gsg, je