Despite loss, Palace thanks Pacquiao for inspiring Filipinos

By: Aries Joseph Hegina - 9 years ago

Manny Pacquiao, right, from the Philippines, trades blows with Floyd Mayweather Jr., during their welterweight title fight on Saturday, May 2, 2015 in Las Vegas. AP

Malacanang on Sunday said that it is grateful for Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao for uniting the country and providing inspiration to Filipinos.

READ: Mayweather preserves perfect record, overcomes Pacquiao

In a statement, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that Pacquiao’s skill and bravery in his fight against still undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. is laudable.

“Nagpapasalamat si Pangulo Aquino kay Manny sa pagbibigay niya ng inspirasyon sa bawa’t Pilipino na nagpupunyagi at lumalaban sa mga hamon ng buhay upang matamo ang isang maunlad na kinabukasan (President Aquino thanks Manny for inspiring Filipinos who are struggling in the face of their problems and in their pursuit of achieving success),” Coloma said.

“Patuloy nating ipinagmamalaki ang husay, gilas at tapang ni Manny Pacquiao. Sinasagisag niya ang galing at kabutihan ng bawa’t Pilipino na kayang makipag-paligsahan sa pinakamahusay sa iba’t ibang larangan — at kayang magtamo ng karangalan (We will continue to hail Manny Pacquiao’s skill and bravery. He symbolizes the goodness of every Filipino who can excel in their chosen field),” he added.

The presidential spokesperson said that after the historic matchup, Pacquiao should allot more time for his family.

“Sana’y makapag-ukol na si Manny ng dagdag na panahon para sa kanyang pamilya at sana’y mapanatili niya ang magandang kalusugan sa kanyang pagtahak ng iba pang landas na nais niyang tahakin sa hinaharap (I wish that Manny can allot more time for his family and that he can preserve his good health as he ventures into other endeavors in the future),” Coloma said.

In an earlier statement, the President said that the legislator should be enjoying the fruits of his boxing achievements.

“Isn’t it nice (if) you’re the one who’ll say (to Pacquiao), it’s enough? You have earned and saved money. You should be able to enjoy it. Enjoy your family. Enjoy each other,” Aquino said last April 28 at the sidelines of the Asean Summit in Malaysia.

Mayweather won via a unanimous decision: the judges scored the fight 118-110, 116-112, 116-112.