DAGUPAN CITY — Speaker Jose de Venecia yesterday called Manny Pacquiao the “greatest fighter” in his division moments after the Filipino champion knocked out Mexican Erik Morales in the 10th round.
De Venecia watched at his home a live cable television feed from Las Vegas where the 27-year-old Filipino became the only fighter to stop the gritty Mexican, a three-time world champion, in their super featherweight rematch. Pacquiao lost their first bout on points in Las Vegas last March.
“Pacquiao is the pride of the Filipino and the Malay race. There is no doubt that he is Asia’s greatest fighter in his division,” de Venecia said.
“With this fabulous victory, Pacquiao has raised the morale of the Filipino people and made the nation proud of one of its greatest sons,” De Venecia said.
The Speaker “With this fabulous victory, Pacquiao has raised the morale of the Filipino people and made the nation proud of one of its greatest sons,” said House Speaker Jose de Venecia moments after Manny Pacquiao knocked out Erik Morales Saturday night in their Las Vegas battle.
said Pacquiao comes from a great line of Filipino ring fighters from the first Filipino boxing titlist Pancho Villa to the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde.
Other House leaders also congratulated Pacquiao whose victory over Mexican boxer Erick Morales, according to the solons, unified the nation and showed to the world the trademark hard work, courage and strength of Filipinos in overcoming any difficulty.
Among those who congratulated him were Reps. Prospero Pichay (Lakas, Surigao del Sur), Monico Puentevella (Lakas, Bacolod City), Mikey Arroyo (Kampi, Pampanga), House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Gerry Salapuddin, Joel Mayo Almario (Lakas, Davao Oriental), and Eduardo Zialcita (Lakas, Paranaque).
Senators were also one in saying that Pacquiao is truly the Pinoy’s champion.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said Pacquiao is the pride of Filipinos here and abroad. He described Pacquiao as a “good ambassador” whose impressive display of speed and power only shows that Filipinos can be globally competitive.
“Hindi sagabal ang kahirapan upang matamo ang tagumpay. Napakabait at napaka humble ni Manny. Ito ang isang katangian ng tunay na Pilipino na dapat gawing huwaran ng bawat isa sa atin.” Estrada said.
Sen. Francis Kiko Pangilinan said Pacquiao is a living proof that Filipinos are capable of achieving victory when they set their hearts and minds to attain it.
“He is an inspiration for the country. A world champion in every sense of the word and a sports icon that Filipinos should be proud of,” Pangilinan said.
Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla said the success of Pacquiao is the country’s victory and pride.
Pacquiao, Revilla said, was able to prove that a Filipino will always stand up to defend his dignity “and his brave heart emulates the character of everyone of us to face the stiffest challenges in life.
Sen. Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. also congratulated Pacquiao, saying his victory was the country’s as well.
