The Senate, during its plenary session presided by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, yesterday adopted resolutions celebrating Filipino athletes.
Adopted were Resolution numbers 28, 29, and 30 commending chess prodigy Bince Rafael Operiano, jiu-jitsu champion Aleia Aielle Aguilar, and world-class bowler Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno, respectively, for their victorious feats in various international contests.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said the Filipino athletes winning in various international competitions gave honors and pride to the country.
The Senate adopted Senate Resolution (SR) 287, authored by Villanueva, taking into consideration SR 295, authored by Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. recognizing Nepomuceno for taking home the gold medal at the Asian Seniors Championships held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 12, 2022.
“Nepomuceno’s talent, discipline, sportsmanship, and longevity continue to be a source of pride for the country and proves why he is a living legend in the sport of bowling and one of the greatest Filipino athletes of all time,” Villanueva said.
The Senate also adopted Villanueva’s SR 285 lauding Operiano who emerged as the champion during the 6th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand; and SR 286 congratulating Aguilar for her outstanding performance at the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Championships on November 13, 2022, becoming the Philippines' youngest world champion.