Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is assured of a “niche” in the government’s hall of sports heroes after his bout yesterday with Mexican Oscar Larios for the super featherweight crown.
President Arroyo said that she would issue an executive order honoring Filipinos who “excel in physical accomplishments” and Pacquiao is one of them.
The President said that the award would be part of the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Champion for Life, for Filipinos who, by their prowess and performance in the “physical aspects”, give pride and honor to the country.
“We give special honor to our national artist, our national scientists, but we have no national sports hero award category for those who excel in physical accomplishments,” said the President.
The President made the statement just before she returned home from Madrid, Spain.
Mrs. Arroyo said that “due recognition” would also be given to winners in athletic competitions like the Asiad, and the Filipinos who conquered Mount Everest, world’s highest mountain.
She said that Pacquiao is a sure winner of the “Champion for Life Award” for the many honors he has already given the country in the field of boxing.
Asked about her gift to First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, an avid supporter of Philippine sports, the President said she gifted him with a blazer.
The presidential spouse turned 60 years old last Tuesday (June 27).
The President said her husband needs a blazer in his travels and as part of his wardrobe, “so I bought him one”.
PACQUIAO, LARIOS CONGRATULATED
The President congratulated Pacquiao shortly after he won his 12-round bout with the Mexican challenger at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The President also cited Larios for showing a good fight with Pacquiao.
“It was a battle well fought and we also congratulate Oscar Larios for his courage and grit in the ring,” said the President.
In a statement from Malacanang, the President heaped praises on Pacquiao “for his hardwork and determination in preparing for the fight”.
The President said that Pacquiao’s victory should serve as an inspiration for his countrymen “to strive harder for their dreams”.
Pacquiao won the 12-round bout with Larios by unanimous decision. He retained the World Boxing Council international super-featherweight title.
The three judges scored 117-110, 118-108 and 120-106, all in favor of Pacquiao.
With the win, Pacquiao improved his record to 42-3-2, with 33 knockouts. Larios, who just came off a loss to Israel Vasquez in his last fight in December, dropped to 56-5-1, with 36 KOs.
The President said that Pacquiao’s victory is “an embodiment of the Filipino’s fighting spirit, brought about by the discipline, hard work and determination which the country needs to become prosperous”.
“The entire nation celebrates the feat of our boxing hero. Once more, Manny epitomized the fighting spirit of the Filipino – the discipline, hard work and determination that we all need to fulfill our dreams for our country,” said the President.
“We need to be focused as Manny in preparing and persevering towards our goal – a strong economy, a stable political system and a prosperous society,” she added.
The President likewise said: “We have emerged triumphant over the adversities and challenges that we are facing as a people and let us continue to be inspired by Manny’s toughness against all odds.”
Pacquiao’s latest ring victory came just hours after the President had returned from a one-week to Italy and Spain.
The President also cited Pacquiao in her statement shortly after he returned from a week-long visit to Italy and Spain.
In his arrival statement, the President said: “I arrive home for the great victory of Manny Pacquiao in another pride for the Filipino, who shines everywhere and in every field in the global firmament.”
“As I congratulate Manny for a fight well fought, I would like to thank the Filipino people for standing beside me in my visit to Spain, Italy and the Vatican in the name of life, human, solidarity and prosperity,” she added.
In a related statement, Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye Jr. said that it is the responsibility of all Filipinos to promote the country here and abroad “if we want our economy to flourish amidst a world of challenge and competition”.
“President Arroyo is investing so much in the promotion of our country here and abroad and has made unprecedented trade and security gains in her latest visit to Spain and Italy,” said Bunye.
Bunye claimed that “this high level diplomacy is backed by the impressive performance and industry of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) wherever they work in the world, as well as the spirit of enterprise of the Filipino people.”
“We must beef up these gains by our unity and resolve to push economic growth and uphold the rule of law by casting aside gutter politics. We have already planted the seeds of reform on all fronts and we must continue to nurture what we have accomplished,” he said. (Anthony Giron)
