MANILA, 3 July 2006 — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo yesterday congratulated Manny Pacquiao for a “well-fought fight” against Oscar Larios of Mexico and said the victory has assured the Philippine boxing champion of the Champion for Life award from the government.
The award will 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, she said.
Arroyo, a big fan of Pacquiao, led the entire nation in celebrating the victory even though she was watching from Malacañang Palace yesterday because she had just returned hours earlier from a trip to Italy and Spain.
“I arrive home in time for the great victory of Manny Pacquiao in another moment of pride for the Filipino, who shines everywhere and in every field in the global firmament,” Arroyo said in an arrival statement released by Malacañang shortly after Pacquiao won the match at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila's suburb of Quezon City.
Arroyo and her delegation arrived at 8:15 a.m. in Manila after a 14-hour trip from Spain, the last leg of her European trip that also included Italy and a visit to the Vatican.
Congress
The House of Representatives is also set to honor Pacquiao again for being “one of the greatest fighters of Asia and the world.”
Pacquiao is the only Filipino athlete to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Achievement, the highest decoration given by the House to outstanding men and women who have made significant contributions in the arts, politics, leadership, social justice and sports.
He was given the award last year.
“Pound for pound he’s one of the best fighters in the world at the moment,” said Speaker Jose de Venecia who hailed Pacquiao as “one of the greatest fighters of Asia and the world” in his weight category. “This is a magnificent victory for Pacquiao and for the Filipino people. He has made this nation and our people proud,” said de Venecia, who was in China when news of Pacquiao’s victory reached him and his delegation.
Need for Focus
In another press statement, Arroyo said the nation needed “to be focused as Manny in preparing and persevering toward our goal — a strong economy, a stable political system and a prosperous society.”
“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,” she 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.
“It was a battle well fought and we also congratulate Oscar Larios for his courage and grit in the ring,” she added.
Arroyo also congratulated the Mexican boxer “for his courage and gut in the ring.”
She said she will issue an executive order honoring Filipinos who excel in “physical accomplishments” like Pacquiao.
“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,” she said.
Victory Boosts Morale of OFWs
Manny Pacquiao’s victory over Mexican boxer Oscar Larios yesterday has proved to be a morale booster for many overseas Filipinos. While some boxing aficionados said the fight was not as exciting as the match between Pacquiao and Mexico’s Eric Morales last January, they were happy just the same, especially that all the Filipino fighters yesterday won. Below are some comments gathered by Arab News across the Kingdom:
Joney “Jack” Curilan, electrical engineer, Eastern Province: Manny Pacquiao has proven that he can last the whole 12 rounds even though many were expecting him to finish the fight earlier.
Ahmed Al-Zuwaid, a boxing buff in his younger years, Alkhobar: The techniques of Pacquiao has brought him the victory. If Pacman stays fit and keeps his form, he will be undefeated for three to four more years.
Rod Fajardo, salesman, Alkhobar: Both fighters are good, but Manny showed good form, good reflexes and as if he never got tired. We can also consider Larios a strong fighter, he lasted the whole 12 rounds and he still has energy. We were expecting an 3rd or 4th round knockout, but since they both lasted the full twelve rounds, both fighters were strong.
Dennis Lopez, Noviacom, Riyadh: Katunayan lamang na-angat ang Pinoy (The truth is that Pacquiao’s victory has carried Filipinos to greater heights). Pacman is the pride of the Filipino people.
JR De Dios, Nest Al-Jedaie Company, Riyadh: Proud ako dahil nakaka-boost ng morale (I feel proud. It boosts the morale).
Abel Lamo, Manakhshebbah Al-Jazeera Ll., Riyadh: Nangamba kami noong 3rd round kasi nag-arte-arte siya na halos hindi pa umiinit ang laban. Hindi maganda ang dating ng ganun sa amin. Mabuti’t nanalo siya (We were worried in the third round when Pacquiao seemed to waver. That didn’t bode well for us. It’s good he won).
Eric Roxas, consultant, Fawaq International Science School of the Philippines: Bilib ako kay Larios dahil tanggap niya ang kanyang pagkatalo at maganda ang sinabi niya sa kalaban (I salute Oscar Larios for accepting his defeat gracefully and for saying nice words to his tormentor).
Cecile Dadufalza, medical technologist, National Guard Hospital, Jeddah: “Wow, its another feather in his cap. I am proud of him for dedicating the fight not only to his millions of fans but for most Filipinos to unite.”
Cris Barcelona, ice cream salesman at Sarawat, Jeddah: “I did not sleep because I didn’t want to miss the fight. I have no regrets. With Pacquiao winning, I feel I also personally won in the fight. The feeling is great! Ang galing mo idol! (You’re great, men!)”
Neilvin Cruz, waiter at Ay Sarap Restaurant: “I couldn’t help but jump and shout in jubilation. Proud ako sa ating mga boksingero at dapat lang silang ipagmalaki sa buong mundo. (I’m proud of our boxer.”
Cezar Romulo, graphic designer, Jeddah: “Muling pinaganda at nai-angat ang imahe nating mga Pinoy sa buong mundo (He has again improved the image of Filipinos worldwide). Thank you Manny, you truly deserve the title ‘People’s Champ.’”
John Paul Bertel, electronic technician at Modern Electronics, Jeddah: “I got carried away by Pacquiao’s performance. In the first three rounds, I thought he was going to lose, but he came back with full vigor and flying colors. He is really amazing and I almost cried when he said ‘ang laban na ito ay laban ng bawat Pilipino (This fight is the fight of every Filipinos).’”
Dexter Agoho, internet operator at VIP Café: “I am happy and proud that Pacquiao won. Kahit nga mga ibang lahi ay alam nilang magagaling ang Pinoy pagdating sa boxing kaya malaking karangalan ito para sa ating mga Pilipino, lalo na tayong mga OFWs. (Even the other expats were impressed and that’s a big honor for all of us OFWs).”
(Interviews by Raffy Beltran in the Eastern Province, Alexander Asuncion in Riyadh and Francis R. Salud in Jeddah)
