By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, April 13 (PNA) — Malacañang congratulated Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao for regaining the World Boxing Organization welterweight title in his rematch against American boxer Timothy Bradley at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, in a statement, said that the whole county was one with Pacquiao in celebrating the victory.
“After 12 rounds, the strength and guile of our national fist won to reclaim the World Boxing Organization Welterweight title,” Valte said in the vernacular.
She added that Pacquiao’s triumph was proof that as long as a Filipino poured his heart out in any field, all falls are temporary and may be recovered.
She also said that Pacquiao “served as an inspiration” to many Filipinos for embodying the rise of the Philippines after so many disasters in the previous years.
“Our message to the world is clear: While a terrible disaster may defeat us, we will resolutely rise again; deep faith, strong unity, and enduring heart of the Filipino race will always prevail,” Valte said.
Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., in a separate statement, described Pacquiao as a “national treasure in global sports.”
Coloma said that Pacquaio’s “magnificent triumph” embodies the world-class qualities of the Filipino in many competitive fields.
“We can hold our heads up high by dint of our industry, hard work and courage,” the PCOO chief said, adding that Pacquiao can expect a very warm welcome from the Filipino nation when he returns to Manila. (Philippine News Agency)
