MANILA – The Malacañang commended Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao after his unanimous decision win over Adrien Broner on Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the eight-division world champion was again successful in uniting the Filipino people, just like what he always do when he has a fight.
“The Palace is one with the entire Filipino people in celebrating Senator Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao’s successful WBA welterweight title defense over American Adrien Broner,” Panelo said.
“While 11 years older than his opponent, the 40-year-old ‘Pambansang Kamao’ displayed his vintage form just like in his heyday and dominated Broner, who went backpedaling, in full 12 rounds of battle,” he added.
President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet secretary Karlo Nograles also sent his greetings to Pacquiao, whom he said has showed the world that he is still far from done despite his advanced age.
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Benjamin Madrigal also lauded Pacquiao for showing his humility despite his dominant win over the backpedalling Broner.
“Our soldiers are proud and inspired not only by the performance of Senator Manny Pacquiao but as well as the humility he manifested despite his triumphant win,” Madrigal said in a statement.
Pacquiao’s colleagues in the Senate also took turns in congratulating him for tallying his 61st victory in his boxing career.
“Muli, sa panibagong laban na ito, ipinakita sa atin ni Sen. Manny Pacquiao kung bakit nananatili siyang bayani sa puso ng mga kababayan natin,” Sem. Nancy Binay said. “His prowess inside the ring is matched by his humility, magnanimity, and genuine love for the people.””
Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri also said: “He is a Champion of the ages. At age 40 he shows us that nothing is impossible with hard work, dedication and love for God. A true inspiration not only to us Filipinos but to people all over the world.”/PN
