Palace lauds Gabica, Payla golden feats

Malacañang cited yesterday the outstanding performance of Filipino boxer Violito Payla and cue artist Antonio Gabica who won gold medals for the Philippines in the ongoing 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

Officials said they would still have to determine whether the two could be accorded the Champion for Life award being given to Filipinos who excelled in sports and other fields.

"We laud the outstanding performance of Antonio Gabica and Violito Payla in the Asian Games. These victories are an inspiration for our athletes and our people to show excellence in all fields," Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said in a statement.

Gabica outsteadied fellow Filipino billiard player Jeff de Luna, 11-7, in the men’s singles final of the 9-ball event to snatch the gold medal, the first for the Filipinos in the ongoing games.

Gabica, who had previously won the 2004 RP Open 9-Ball Championship and the 2005 All Filipino Open, will receive cash incentives in the amount of P2.3 million for winning the 9-ball gold and a silver in the 8-ball event.

Payla secured the Philippines’ second gold medal when he defeated defending champion Somjit Jongjohor of Thailand in the flyweight (51- kilogram) division of boxing. — Aurea Calica