Senators hail Manny Pacquiao’s victory

President Rodrigo Duterte, who also watched the bout live along with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, earlier congratulated Pacquiao. (KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

Members of the upper house lauded Philippine boxing icon-turned-lawmaker Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao after he took the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title from Argentinian boxer Lucas Matthysse in a bout in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday, July 15.

“I thought I was watching Manny 10 years ago. Your fight unites all Filipinos around the world and your victory brings pride to us all. Mabuhay ka (long live) Sen. and Champion Manny Pacquiao!” Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who watched the fight live, said.

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said he is also proud and happy of Pacquiao’s victory, adding that the boxing icon has given the Philippines so much honor.

“He is one of the best boxers ever. He is already a legend. I would say he has nothing more to prove,” he said.

Senator Richard Gordon, for his part, believed that Pacquiao should serve as a role model for his fellow Filipinos.

“He proved that we can all do anything. If it is to be, it must be up to us. Congrats to the greatness of the Filipino!” Gordon said.

Senator Nancy Binay echoed Gordon’s remarks, adding that Pacquiao showed every Filipino how to rise again and overcome obstacles despite many challenges in life.

“As ever, Pacman’s ability to unite us Filipinos and take our breath away with his every move during his matches has no equal. He is our nation’s pride and joy. Mabuhay ka Manny! Congratulations at mabuhay ang Filipino!” the female senator stressed.

Meanwhile, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, in a tweet, said, “His politics aside, I remain a Manny Pacquiao fan. Congrats, Sen. @mannypacquiao!”

Pacquiao’s fellow lawmakers, senators Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, Panfilo Lacson, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Grace Poe also congratulated the new WBA welterweight champion.

The people’s champ, 39, defeated Matthysse via technical knockout (TKO) during the match’s seventh round. This was his first knockout win after nine years.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who also watched the bout live along with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad earlier, congratulated Pacquiao.

“You have proven time and again that you are not just a public servant, but one of the greatest boxers of all time. This win will surely cement, yet again, your position and legacy in boxing’s Hall of Fame,” the Philippine leader said.

“May you continue to inspire Filipinos not only in boxing but also in the public service,” he added.