Malacañang and even his colleagues in the Senate expressed further support for Senator Manny Pacquiao despite his defeat to Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas in their super welterweight boxing match in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“The boxing icon’s loss in Las Vegas would not diminish the honors he bestowed to our country and the joy he gave to our people,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.
“Senator Pacquiao will forever be etched in the hearts of Filipinos as our People’s Champ,” he added.
He added that the Palace would continue to support Pacquiao despite the defeat to the younger Cuban and former Olympian.
For his colleagues in the Senate, Pacquiao will remain the ‘national treasure’ of the Philippines because of his courage and skill despite his age of 42.
Support for Manny Pacquiao poured in.
“Congratulations pa rin sa atin Pambansang Kamao, our national treasure, Sen. Manny Pacquiao for a gallant competitive world championship fight. Pinakita niya ang katapangan at kahusayan ng pusong Pilipino sa larangan ng sports na puwede rin natin magamit sa ibang aspeto ng buhay,” said Senador Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.
“Thank you to my fellow Senator and Mindanaoan, Manny Pacquiao, for putting up a gallant fight against reigning WBA (Super) welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas,” Senador Christopher “Bong” Go said.
Sen. Sonny Angara, on the other hand, said that Pacquiao should not be ashamed of his defeat because he gave all his skills in the fight while Ugas played smart and used his advantage in height and reach length.
“Sen. Manny Pacquiao may not have brought home this title, but he has once again proved himself a legendary fighter—the best athlete we have ever had, and the world has ever seen. After decades of victories in the ring, he continues to improve and to challenge himself, and to fight with the same spirit and humility he had as a an amateur boxer,” said Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.
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