Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, waits after the welterweight title fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., on Saturday, May 2, 2015 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Messages of support poured from government officials, institutions and groups for Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao despite being outboxed by undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Sunday (Philippine time) at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
READ: Mayweather preserves perfect record, overcomes Pacquiao
Vice President Jejomar Binay said that Pacquiao’s life is an inspiration to every Filipino faced with adversity.
“Manny’s life story lifts the spirit of every Filipino who struggle daily to rise from adversity. His humility and faith is an inspiration to all of us,” Binay said in a statement.
READ: Pacquiao relives life in poverty, death of friend in the ring in mini docu
“Sa araw na ito, ipinakita ni Manny na tayong mga Pilipino ay handang humarap at bumangon sa anumang pagsubok. Mabuhay ka Manny. Lagi kang ipagmamalaki ng bawat Pilipino. (On this day, Manny showed that Filipinos are ready to face any struggle in life. Long live, Manny! Filipinos will always be proud of you),” he added.
Meanwhile, Senators Nancy Binay and Pia Cayetano both referred to Pacquiao as the champion of the masses.
“Today, we have seen the heart of a True Champion. Sa kabila ng naging resulta ng labang ito, taas-noo pa rin nating iwawagayway ang bandila ng Pilipinas, at mananatiling buo ang tiwala sa kakayahan ni Manny bilang isang tunay na kampeon ng masang Pilipino (Despite the outcome of the fight, we will still proudly wave the Philippine flag and we still believe that Manny is the true champion of the Filipino masses),” Binay said.
“Win or lose, every time Manny Pacquiao steps into the ring, he is the Filipino champion who inspires and unites our people,” Cayetano said in a tweet.
Presidential spokespersons Edwin Lacierda and Abigail Valte both praised Pacquiao on his fight against Mayweather.
“There’s a reason why you’re called People’s Champ, Pacman. You are our winner,” Valte said in a tweet.
“Pacquiao is truly the Peoples Champ. He fought for respect, not points. He won the hearts of the world,” Lacierda said on his Twitter account.
On the other hand, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that they are looking forward for a rematch between Pacquiao and Mayweather.
“The PNP congratulates People’s Champ Rep. Manny Pacquiao for bringing pride to the country for putting up a great fight against undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. Much as we were expecting a stunning victory by Manny Pacquiao, we know that our Pambansang Kamao did his best to provide a good show for sports fans around the world.
He fought a good fight, we all wish him well. He is still our People’s Champ despite the loss. At any rate, we respect the outcome of the fight and look forward to another showdown between the two boxing legends,” said PNP Public Information Office chief Senior Supt. Bartolome Tobias in a statement.
READ: No rematch as Pacquiao won’t ever beat Mayweather anyway, says Floyd Sr.
On the other hand, militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) thanked Pacquiao for fighting Mayweather with “a lot of heart and class.”
“Filipino people express their profound gratitude to Manny Pacquiao, who today fought with a lot of heart and class, and who supported the cause of OFW Mary Jane Veloso just days before the big fight with Mayweather. We remain proud of you and your achievements. Thank you for carrying the Philippine colors with honor,” BAYAN Secretary General Renato Reyes said.
Mayweather won through unanimous decision and maintained his undefeated record, 48-0.
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