IF THERE is a case where politicians belonging to administration and opposition have joined hands, it was during the fight of Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao who reigned over Mexican boxer Erik Morales in a 12-round title bout in Las Vegas, United States on Sunday.
Leaders of administration and opposition in the House of Representatives did not only rejoice over the victory of Pacquiao, but also said in unison that, “it was the only time in the year when Filipinos have tasted true unity.”
House Speaker Jose de Venecia himself expressed elation when the Filipino boxer has technically knocked out Morales in the 10th round of their 12-round match in Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).
De Venecia said Pacquiao has “given Filipinos pride and raised the morale of his countrymen” who have been facing much difficulties at the present time. He called Pacquiao as “Asia’s greatest fighter” in his division moments after he won over Morales through a technical knockout.
The Speaker watched at his home a live cable television feed from Las Vegas where the 27-year-old Filipino boxer became the only fighter to stop the gritty Mexican, a three-time world champion, in their super featherweight rematch.
“Pacquiao is the pride of the Filipino people and the Malay race. There is no doubt that he is Asia’s greatest fighter in his division. With this fabulous victory, Pacquiao has raised the morale of the Filipino people and made the nation proud of one of its greatest sons,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Pacquiao’s victory was “very convincing” and it should inspire and remind Filipinos that they can be the best in any endeavor if they put their hearts into it.
“Manny’s (Pacquiao) triumph exemplifies the indomitable fighting spirit of Filipinos not just in the field of sports but also in every field of struggle for excellence,” Arroyo said.
The President later talked to Pacquiao in Las Vegas via the mobile telephone of First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, who watched the fight in the US along with his son Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, Senator Manuel Lapid, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Singson, Manila Mayor Jose Atienza Jr. and other government officials.
“We’re proud of you. In behalf of the Filipino people, thank you,” Arroyo said of Pacquiao.
Pacquiao thanked the First Couple and other government officials who supported him, saying he trained hard not only for himself and his family but also for the country. He said he was glad that he was able to bring honor to the Philippines.
Presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio said with Pacquiao’s victory, “divisive politics has become even more irrelevant and abhorrent to the Filipino people.” He called for a moratorium on politics, saying, “it’s a great time, a great sign and a great reason to be united.”
“Let there be a moratorium on attacks against the government and on the politics of hate, gloom and doom being waged by detractors of the administration. I hope we can make this feeling of unity and victory last for the good of our nation,” he said.
For opposition members, Iloilo Representative Rolex Suplico said Pacquiao’s victory could also be attributed to a “one-voice support” that the Filipino boxer has earned from his countrymen. “We can say that the unifying spirit of Filipinos for supporting him has given him the heart and soul to win the fight. Filipinos just gave him more determination,” he said.
The congressmen are expected to file and adopt a resolution that would honor the Filipino boxer. Last year, the Lower Chamber honored Pacquiao with the Congressional Medal of Achievement–the only sportsman ever to win the coveted decoration–and ascended the House Speaker’s podium to accept the acclaim from the gallery. (DBP/JMR/Sunnex)
