Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines celebrates after his unanimous-decision victory over Jessie Vargas at the Thomas & Mack Center on November 5, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao won the WBO welterweight championship. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP
Senators on Sunday congratulated their colleague, Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, for his victory against Mexican boxer Jessie Vargas.
Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said Pacquiao “never wavers and always gives his all” whether in the Senate session hall or in the boxing ring.
“On behalf of the Philippine Senate and the Filipino people, I congratulate Sen. Manny Pacquiao for another successful match… He is a worthy champion for the Filipino people—never afraid to come out and fight with honor and courage for their family and values,” Pimentel wrote on Facebook.
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Sen. Sonny Angara said Pacquiao’s win against a much younger opponent should be “celebrated and cherished” as a victory of the Filipino people.
“Once again, he showcased to the whole world the Filipino’s heart and determination, that with faith in God, coupled with right focus and discipline, no battle is insurmountable, no matter how difficult and extremely unbearable they may be,” Angara said in a statement.
“Manny has already brought so much international honor and respect to the country. May he continue to inspire all of us, especially the young ones, not only through the legacy that he created in the history of boxing, but more importantly of his rags-to-riches story which he accomplished through hard work and perseverance,” he added.
Sen. Joel Villanueva said Pacquiao “came on strong like a storm but in the end gave us peace and tremendous joy,” while Sen. JV Ejercito said the Filipino champion has “nothing more to prove.”
“Brother Senator Manny Pacquiao, congratulations on your decisive victory as you continue to honor God, your country, and the Filipino people and family! God bless and Godspeed always. See you back soon in the Senate as we buckle down to work for the nation,” said Sen. Gringo Honasan.
Pacquiao took the WBO welterweight title from Vargas in a unanimous decision. JE/rga