Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, sits in his corner between rounds of his WBO welterweight title boxing fight against Timothy Bradley Saturday, April 12, 2014, in Las Vegas. AP
MANILA, Philippines – Politicians were among the first to tweet their congratulations to boxing icon Manny Pacquiao after he reclaimed the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight title from Timothy Bradley on Sunday (Philippine time).
Pacquiao, who is also the congressman of the lone district of Sarangani, received praises and thanks from his fellow lawmakers after he won unanimously against Bradley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
“Manny has once again shown us that focusing on discipline and determination makes no battle insurmountable. At 35, his victory over a much younger Bradley at 30 — who was said to have been even better trained now than in their previous fight — has shown the world that he continues to be the pound-for-pound King of Boxing,” said House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte in a statement.
Senators also congratulated Pacquiao through their Twitter accounts.
“Congratulations Manny! You make us all proud to be Pinoys! Thank you and God bless you!” posted Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.
“Ang sarap maging Pilipino (It feels good to be Filipino)!” said Senator Teofisto Guingona III.
Senator Bongbong Marcos called Pacquiao the best boxer in the world while Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said he was “privileged” to be a friend of the People’s Champ.
“You embody the hope that every one of us has a fighting chance,” said Senator Nancy Binay. “We take pride in your tenacity, dedication and love for country. You endured the training; you faced every hit and stood steadfast against the enemy’s attack. The pain was nothing.”
Senator Sonny Angara, who worked with Pacquiao when he was still a congressman, said the boxer was not only able to reclaim his crown but also “the respect and admiration of the world.”
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Joel Villanueva, also a former colleague, called the Sarangani representative a “beacon of hope.”
Vice President Jejomar Binay said Pacquiao’s victory will be “cherished by all Filipinos” as it inspires the people to reach for “greater heights…and see the limitless possibilities that await us.”
Earlier, Malacañang called Pacquiao a “national treasure in global sports” and praised him for his “magnificent triumph.”
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