In a handover ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 24, Marcos highlighted Pacquiao’s illustrious boxing career and his role in bringing pride and unity among Filipinos.

“Hindi lang siya champion sa (He is not just a champion in) boxing. He is a champion of humanity. He is a champion as a Filipino. He is a champion as a man. And he is a champion in all our hearts and he will always be our champion,” Marcos said in his remarks during the ceremony held at the National Sports Museum in Pasig City.

The President recalled how Pacquiao’s victories brought the nation together and earned admiration worldwide, making Filipinos proud wherever they were.

“And we can say that sa buong kasaysayan ng Pilipinas (in the history of the Philippines), there was never a time when we were more proud to be Filipino than when Manny was winning all those fights… But hindi lang kasi napakagaling niya, never niya kinalimutan ang pagka-Pinoy niya (not only because he was so extremely good, but also because he has never forgotten his Filipino roots),” Marcos said.

Marcos also enthusiastically recounted how communities would pause to watch Pacquiao’s fights and how his victories became shared moments of national pride.

“Saan ka naman nakakita ng atletang Pilipino na pagka may laban, yung putukan sa Mindanao nagsi-ceasefire muna para manood sila kay Manny Pacquiao (Where else can you find a Filipino athlete that when he has a match, even the fighting in Mindanao temporarily stops because people watch him)? Where did you ever hear of such a thing?" the President said.

The Chief Executive also praised Pacquiao for his humility, compassion, and faith.

Marcos also highlighted Pacquiao’s generosity in helping fellow boxers facing health and financial difficulties.

“You cannot find a more humble, a more devoted, and God-fearing person than Manny Pacquiao,” he said.

“But there is a side also to Manny that maybe most people do not know about. I remember when we went for dinner during the award sa Elorde at pinuntahan namin at lumabas lahat ng mga boksingero na wala na silang hanapbuhay at yung iba, tinamaan na, nagkasakit, nagkaramdaman. Lahat yun tinulungan ni Manny (we went and all boxers, who have lost their job, some of them fell ill, came out. Manny helped all of them),” Marcos said.

Marcos recalled that Pacquiao told no one about it and was only revealed when it was announced during the program.

“Ganyan ang ugali, ganyan ang pagkatao ng ating Manny Pacquiao (That is his character, that is the kind of person our Manny Pacquiao is)," Marcos said.

 

Pacquiao, who is popularly known as the people's champ, is recognized globally as the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, capturing world titles across multiple weight classes.

During the Tuesday event, the former senator handed over to the Museum the Representative Fight Trunk (Miguel Cotto Bout, 2009); Representative Fight Trunk (Antonio Margarito Bout, 2010); and World Boxing Council (WBC) Championship Belt. 

Pacquiao has two upcoming bouts this year, including a September rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the Sphere in Las Vegas