MANILA, Philippines – A number of senators on Monday joined basketball fans in mourning the sudden death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash.
The world lost a legend today but the impact and legacy he leaves behind will last forever! #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/Sp56zAvrht
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) January 26, 2020
In a tweet, boxing champion and Sen. Manny Pacquiao shared a photo of him and Bryant, describing the latter as a “legend” that the world has lost.
READ: Kobe Bryant, NBA legend, killed in helicopter crash
Sen. Richard Gordon expressed his surprise on the basketball icon’s demise.
What a tragedy. After working so very hard in his entire career to become one of the most successful stars of the NBA, Kobe Bryant has just died in a helicopter crash. I mourn with the whole sports world & pray for his family & his eternal rest.
— Richard J. Gordon (@DickGordonDG) January 26, 2020
Sen. Risa Hontiveros admitted she is not much of a basketball fan, but said she knows that “the world has lost a great man today.”
Woke up to such sad news today.
Am not much of a basketball fan, but I do know that the world lost a great man today.
Beyond being a legend, Kobe was a loving father & an inspiration to many in terms of hard work, discipline & giving our best. ✊🏼
We all can relate to that. 💙 pic.twitter.com/5Nh5EXDQbk
— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) January 27, 2020
Sen. Imee Marcos, meanwhile, also shared her photo with Kobe taken in September 2007 in Makati City where her son, Michael, celebrated his 22nd birthday.
Kobe and us — he loved the Philippines and we loved him! This was taken on Sept 5, 2007 at the Shangrila Makati where my son, Michael, celebrated his 22nd birthday. Rest in peace, Black Mamba. #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/OUZ8NWWAoe
— Imee R. Marcos (@SenImeeMarcos) January 27, 2020
For his part, Sen. Sonny Angara described Bryant as a “superstar waited on by a staff of hundreds” in his prime, and “in retirement was happiest as coach-cheerleader of the most important ballplayer in his life.”
“The streets of heaven are now full of people attending the ticker-tape parade of a player who soared like an angel in court, and with his good heart acted like one off it. They’re now hanging ’24’ jerseys in the rafters up there,” he said.
“Thanks, Kobe for bringing joy to this basketball nation, for visiting us, and for telling your Filipino fans never to get tired in chasing their hoop dreams,” he added.
Senate President Tito Sotto, in a text message to reporters, lined up Bryant with other famous personalities in their respective fields.
“There are few people in the world known by their first name—Elvis, Tiger, Serena, KOBE!” said Sotto.
Sen. Bong Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, also called the death of Bryant, whom he called his idol, as a great loss.
“From the millions of Filipinos whose lives you’ve touched one way or another, we thank you, Kobe, for inspiring us to always give our best in what we do. For his loved ones and the basketball community, we share your grief as we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and fans around the world who Kobe left behind,” he said.
Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were on their way to a basketball training facility when their helicopter crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California on Sunday.
