Philippines celebrates close Pacquiao victory

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines came to a standstill, held its breath, then exploded in celebration on Sunday as boxing hero Manny Pacquiao was announced as the winner of his bout with Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez.

Top government officials and humble workers all hailed Pacquiao’s majority decision victory over Marquez in Las Vegas even as they credited the Mexican – who said he was robbed – for putting up a tough fight.

In a Twitter message sent from Hawaii, where he is attending a summit of Pacific Rim leaders, Philippine President Benigno Aquino praised Pacquiao, who is also an elected congressman representing a province in the south.

“Congratulations Manny Pacquiao! You have given honour to the entire Philippines!” the President tweeted.

Pacquiao retained his World Boxing Organization welterweight title but only after a hard fight which left some Filipinos fearful their icon might be defeated for the first time since 2005.

The 32-year-old’s fellow legislator, Congressman Joseph Victor Ejercito said: “I was worried that he might lose. I think Marquez got in more punches. But I am happy that Pacquiao won in the end.”

As in many of Pacquiao’s previous bouts, the country almost shut down as millions of people followed the fight of the boxer who has become a national hero.

The wealthy watched at pay-per-view showings in hotels and sports bars while local politicians hosted public displays in town plazas and gymnasiums.

Support for Pacquiao crossed political lines, with Darlene Custodio, the mayor of the boxer’s home town, the southern city of General Santos – who defeated him in a 2007 election – joining in the celebrations.

“Manny really proved his worth as the pound-for-pound king. His victory gives more honour to the country, especially to General Santos,” the mayor said.

Pacquiao, a poverty-stricken high-school drop-out, used his boxing skills to become a world champion and has since parlayed his fame into a career as a product endorser, TV show host, movie star and congressman.

He has talked of running for vice-president one day but many Filipinos are waiting to see him finally fight unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather.

Government employee Anwar Mohammad, one of the thousands who watched the fight in General Santos, said there was only one thing left for Pacquiao.

“He should really prove himself now by taking on Mayweather.”