INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines -- It’s time for the man behind Manny Pacquiao’s legendary triumphs in the ring to take center stage.

Just as everybody appeared to be in awe of the Filipino boxing champion’s feat, a lawmaker has proposed to give due recognition to Pacquiao’s long-time coach, American Freddie Roach.

In filing House Resolution 1142, Congressman Edgar San Luis of Laguna called on the House of Representatives to confer honorary Philippine citizenship on Roach.

”Behind Manny Pacquiao’s legendary boxing triumphs is his 49-year-old American coach Freddie Roach, who over the years has masterfully sharpened the skills of the Filipino boxing icon to become one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport,” the congressman said in his resolution.

Roach, who has been Pacquiao’s trainer-coach for years, “has equally shown his deep understanding of our people . . . that he has easily become a part of the local community without as much raising any negative issue,” San Luis said.