By Argyll Geducos
Malacañang congratulated Senator Manny Pacquiao for winning his match against Keith Thurman, saying the Philippines' boxing champ once again brought honor to the country and united Filipinos across the globe.
Manny Pacquiao 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 / MANILA BULLETIN)
In his statement, Panelo noted how Pacquiao started the year by successfully defending his WBA welterweight belt over American Adrien Broner, and now scoring another victory just six months later.
According to Panelo, Malacañang was one with the rest of the nation in celebrating Pacquiao's victory.
"Pacquiao’s victory is not only his, but of the entire nation. As such, the Palace is one in rejoicing with the Filipino people as the Pambansang Kamao once again puts the flag above the pedestal with his display of tenacity and courage," he said.
"We thank Senator Manny for not only bringing honor and glory to our flag, but for once again uniting all Filipinos worldwide with his display of athleticism, power and Filipino pride," he added.
The Palace official lauded how Pacquiao was able to defeat his opponent, who was erstwhile undefeated and much younger than him. And even knocked Thurman down in the first round.
"Although his opponent, Thurman, is way younger than him, our pound-for-pound King did not show any signs of intimidation as he embodied what a Filipino spirit is all about - a fighter," Panelo said.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles also thanked Pacquiao for bringing honor to the Philippines. He also expressed hope that Filipinos will be inspired by Pacquiao's achievements.
"You have proven time and again that hard work and faith are the one-two punch to winning in life, inside and outside the boxing ring," he said.
"May you continue to inspire our countrymen with your achievements, and serve as a model to our people with the humility and grace you display after every hard-fought contest. Mabuhay ka, Pacman!" he added. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)