MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday congratulated the Philippine team for its victory at the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup which, according to reports, stunned defending champion and host Vietnam.
“The President is pleased with this development, as it comes on the heels of Nonito Donaire’s new title as WBC (World Boxing Council) continental bantamweight champion, the medals brought home by our participants in the recently concluded Asian Games, and (Filipino boxing champion) Manny Pacquiao’s victory in Texas,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said yesterday in a statement.
“These victories affirm yet again the Filipino’s drive to excel, noting further that the Philippine team’s triumph in the Suzuki Cup signifies an enthusiasm to join the community of nations in the international arena of football,” Lacierda said.
Philippine ambassador to Vietnam Jerril Santos hailed as a “great game” the 2-0 victory of the Filipino football team on goals by Chris Greatwich and Phil Younghusband.
In a statement posted in his Facebook account, Santos broke the good news right after the game.
“Great game! The local support for the defending champion Vietnamese team was just amazing. But the Philippine team’s performance induced My Dinh stadium into a stunned silence. What an achievement!” Santos said.
Lacierda said the President expressed his support for sports endeavors “where Filipinos excel and bring pride to our country.”
On Sunday, Malacañang also welcomed the victory of Donaire over Wladimir Sidorenko of Ukraine.
The “Filipino Flash” was hailed as the new WBC continental bantamweight champion after beating the former WBA champion Sidorenko via technical knockout.