MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang congratulated new WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao for beating American Timothy Bradley yesterday, calling his victory a symbol of Filipino resilience.
Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office said the administration joins the nation in celebrating “the magnificent triumph†of Pacquiao, the national treasure in global sports.
“He 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 Palace spokesman said in a statement sent to the media.
“In the face of successive calamities and challenges, the Filipino people have demonstrated their remarkable resiliency and steadfast determination to rebuild their communities, guided by their faith in Divine Providence and in their God-given talents and capabilities,†Coloma added.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Pacquiao has been an inspiration for so many Filipinos.
“After our country was hit by disaster after disaster last year, Manny serves as a symbol of our recovery,†she said.
Valte said the triumph further proves that as long as Filipinos pour their heart and soul into their respective fields and disciplines, they can overcome any and all setbacks and challenges that may come their way.
“Our message to the world is clear: While vicious storms may knock us down, we will always stand back up. The deep faith, solidarity, and strength of will of the Filipino people will always prove stronger,†Valte said.
“We will extend the proverbial red carpet when we welcome home Congressman Manny Pacquiao who will certainly experience the warmth of the unparalleled enthusiasm and abiding affection of nearly 100 million Filipinos,†Coloma added.
Vice President Jejomar Binay said Pacquiao showcased the Filipinos heart and determination to overcome challenges.
“Manny inspired all of us to push ourselves to greater heights, to always believe in ourselves and the almighty and to see the limitless possibilities that await us,†Binay said.
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. led the House of Representatives in congratulating Pacquiao, saying that the Sarangani congressman again brought pride and inspiration to the Filipinos.
“You have shown the world that the Filipino is always up to the challenge and has a never say die attitude,†Belmonte said.
Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo decribed Pacquiao’s victory as part of the healing process, the rebuilding activity from reports of corruption, scandals, disasters and calamities.
Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Pacquiao is still the best despite the good fight that Bradley gave.
Wounded soldiers cheer for Pacman
Wounded Army soldiers, who fought recently with the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan, cheered and were jubilant over the victory of Pacquiao.
The 28 soldiers who were confined at the Camp Navarro General Hospital (CNGH) inside the headquarters of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in Zamboanga City, watched the bout live in the Heroes Ward where they are confined after getting injured during last Friday’s encounter with Abu Sayyaf members in the mountains of Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.
The recuperating soldiers sat up in bed in a show of support to Pacquiao who is a master sergeant in the reserved force of the Army.
“We are confident from the start that Pacquiao will beat Bradly as he did during their first bout,†said Sgt. Rolando Noble of the 18th Infantry Battalion.
Lt. Col. Ma. Victoria Juan, head nurse of CNGH, said all the wounded soldiers are in good condition and viewing the victory of Pacquiao have also helped the soldiers in their recovery.
She said most of the soldiers sustained superficial wounds, although others suffered bullet wounds.
“They are all in good condition and being taken care of well in this hospital,†Juan said.
Other soldiers and camp residents also watched fight at the Westmincom gymnasium.
Meanwhile, hundreds of evacuees inside the sports complex here got also their chance to watch the bout live at a viewing area set up by a private courier company.
“Pacman is our idol and we’re happy that he won,†a male evacuee said. With Jose Rodel Clapano, Paolo Romero, Roel Pareño, Alexis Romero, Raymund Catindig.