Malacañang and colleagues of Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao on Sunday expressed their support for the boxer, following his defeat to reigning WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas.
Pacquiao was upset by Ugas who scored a unanimous decision victory during their fight in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday morning (Manila time). Three judges scored it 115-113, 116-112, 116-112 for Ugas.
In a statement, the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson cited the “unwavering” support for Pacquiao, including the latest fight with the younger Cuban who is also a former Olympian.
“The boxing icon’s loss in Las Vegas would not diminish the honors he bestowed to our country and the joy he gave to our people,” the statement read.
“Senator Pacquiao will forever be etched in the hearts of Filipinos as our People’s Champ,” it added.
Prior to the fight, Malacañang and Pacquiao got into a scuffle over corruption allegations under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
‘National treasure’
Colleagues of Pacquiao in the Senate also expressed their support for the boxer, along with Mark Magsayo who knocked out his opponent Mexican Julio Ceja in the undercard match.
“Congratulations pa rin sa atin Pambansang Kamao, our national treasure, Sen Manny Pacquiao for a gallant competitive world championship fight. Pinakita niya ang katapangan at kahusayan ng pusong Pilipino sa larangan ng sports na puede din natin magamit sa ibang aspeto ng buhay,” Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said.
[Congratulations still to our Pambansaong Kamao, our national treasure, Sen. Manny Pacquiao for a gallant competitive world championship fight. He showed the courage and skill of the Filipino in sports that can also be used in other aspects of life.]
“Thank you to my fellow Senator and Mindanaoan, Manny Pacquiao, for putting up a gallant fight against reigning WBA (Super) welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas,” said Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.
“Nothing to be ashamed of for Manny he gave it his all; Ugas fought a smart fight,” Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said.
“Sen. Manny Pacquiao may not have brought home this title, but he has once again proved himself a legendary fighter—the best athlete we have ever had, and the world has ever seen. After decades of victories in the ring, he continues to improve and to challenge himself, and to fight with the same spirit and humility he had as a an amateur boxer,” added Miguel Zubiri.
“Sen Manny fought a brave fight & he can hold his head up high anywhere. He fought a 25 month layoff & vs a taller hungrier Ugas. He has already & truly earned the eternal respect of the world. We are ever proud of him,” Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon said.
“Sen Pacman may be defeated by Ugas today but nobody can ever beat his record at least in our lifetime. He is forever our legendary champion,” added Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
‘Nothing left to prove’
Members of the House of Representatives likewise voiced their admiration for the boxer following his defeat.
“Senator Manny Pacquiao has nothing left to prove in the boxing ring. He will forever remain the People’s Champ, our Pambansang Kamao. We’re still proud of you, Manny!” said House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
“A mandirigma [warrior], he will continue to be the country’s living legend. When he comes back, we hope that Pacman the legislator will now focus his energy in our country’s fight to defeat this grave crisis aggravated by the Covid pandemic, including his crusade to knock out corruption in the government. Padayon, Manny,” House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate said.
“Still proud of our Bayaning atleta [hero athlete], Manny Pacquiao. He fought till the end. Congratulations to the winner Yordenis Ugas. He showed great sportsmanship when he shared his respect for the Champ. Ganyan ang sports. Ganyan ang boxing [That’s sports, that’s boxing],” PBA Party-list Representative Jericho Nograles said.
“I am still very proud for our Pambansang Kamao Senator Manny Pacquiao despite his loss to Yordenis Ugas. It was a close fight and it was slugfest to the end. Sulit na sulit ang binayad ng mga boxing fans all over the world [The fee to watch the fight is worth is for boxing fans all over the world]. Had he prepared longer for Ugas, I’m sure the result would have been different,” said Samar Representative Edgar Mary Sarmiento.
“It was a good fight. Despite his defeat, Senator Manny Pacquiao have shown so much class and character as a boxer. He is a true legend and I’m eternally grateful for the pride and honor that he has given to all Filipinos. Also proud for Mark Magsayo for his knockout victory,” said AP Party-list Representative Ronnie Ong.
Presidential run in Eleksyon 2022?
Pacquiao is reportedly running for President in the upcoming 2022 elections, his spokesperson and ally said in July, echoing remarks made by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum in June.
However, Pacquiao on Sunday said he will make an announcement next month regarding the matter.
Pacquiao first won a seat in the 2016 elections, and his current term is set to end in 2022.
Prior to the pandemic, he was considered as the top absentee from July 2018 to July 2019 missing 12 plenary sessions.
He was also the top absentee in the House of Representatives from July 2015 to June 2016 with 22 absences, when he served as the Sarangani representative. —KG, GMA News
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