Pacquiao returns to Senate victorious, donates WBO belt to chamber

MANILA, Philippines — A triumphant Sen. Manny Pacquiao returned to the Senate on Tuesday, feted by his colleagues and legislative employees after making history as the world’s first sitting senator to win a world boxing championship.

Quickly shifting gears after defeating American Jessie Vargas by unanimous decision in Las Vegas on Sunday, Pacquiao said he rushed home to get back to legislative work.

“Boxing is my passion. I come fully alive in the ring. But I have a greater passion: to serve our country. My heartbeat is for our countrymen,” said the neophyte Senator.

“There are bigger problems we need to confront, more complicated issues we need to clarify,” he said.

The Senate passed a resolution commending Pacquiao, noting his diligence in making good on his promise to attend to his legislative duties even while undergoing the taxing task of training for a World Boxing Organization (WBO) title bout.

The resolution, sponsored by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, noted how Pacquiao has been able to juggle Senate work “with his boxing career, make a return to the ring, and regain the WBO [Welterweight] title.

“He is the first sitting senator to win a boxing title. The first sitting senator,” Zubiri said in his speech commending Pacquiao, emphasizing his fellow Mindanao native’s feat.

“This he triumphantly accomplished after his match last Sunday against Jessie Vargas … that’s why I salute him, the Filipino boxing icon, for his exemplary performance,” Zubiri said.

In receiving the commendation, Pacquiao thanked his colleagues and the Filipino nation for the support.

“This is dedicated to all boxing fans and all of you who believe in me,” said Pacquiao, whose entry into the Senate was met by skepticism last June following his dismal performance as a member of the House of Representatives.

Pacquiao decided to donate his title belt to the Senate as a gesture of gratitude.  SFM