Palace: Pinoys must emulate toughness of Pacquiao to beat drugs

Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, celebrates after defeating Jessie Vargas in their WBO welterweight title boxing match, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

Malacañang on Sunday extended its gratitude and congratulations to Filipino boxing champion and Senator Manny Pacquiao for his victory against Mexican boxer Jessie Vargas, calling him a “national treasure for global sports.”

“Nagpapasalamat ang Palasyo sa hindi matatawarang suportang ipinagkaloob ng ating mga kababayan sa oras ng tagumpay at maging sa panahon ng pagkabigo ng ating mga boksingero,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement.

“Once again, Manny’s triumph united and brought joy to our people and our nation. The discipline, the determination, and the hard work of our People’s Champ are truly what make him a National Treasure in Global Sports,” he added.

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The Palace official also lauded Nonito Donaire despite his loss to the undefeated Jessie Magdaleno.

“Nonito Donaire’s quest to be the ‘king in the ring’ unfortunately did not materialize.  This, however, would not diminish the honors he bestowed to the people and to the flag. He remains ‘The Filipino Flash’ with his quick hand speed and formidable punching power,” Andanar said.

Andanar said the toughness showed by Pacquiao and Donaire should be emulated by Filipinos in supporting the government’s war on drugs.

“The courage and grit displayed by our Filipino boxers in Las Vegas are the same qualities we must demonstrate as a nation to rid society of drugs, criminality and corruption,” he said.

“Government has been successfully waging a war on these fronts and we as a people – emulating our boxers’ toughness against all odds — must continue the strong gains as we battle towards victory,” Andanar added.

Pacquiao defeated Vargas in 12 rounds via a unanimous decision. JE/rga