MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday congratulated Senator Manny Pacquiao following his victory against American boxer Keith Thurman in their super welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao knocked down Thurman in the first round and persevered for an exciting split-decision victory on Sunday morning (Manila time).
READ: Pacquiao captures WBA super welterweight crown after split decision over Thurman
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“I would just like to put on record that we in the Senate congratulate the historic win of Senator Manny Pacquiao,” Zubiri said during the session.
“He has defied the age of 40 years old. He puts a lot of 20-year-old fighters to shame,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said he has filed a Senate resolution congratulating Pacquiao for his victory, which would be soon tackled by the Senate.
“To Senator Manny Pacquiao, my kumpare, my colleague, my fellow Mindanaoan, we are so proud of you. Bumalik ka na rito, kaya lang kinapos yata ang oras mo, bawal yata lumipad pag kakatapos lang ng laban so unahin mo muna ang iyong health at hinihintay ka namin dito,” Go told reporters.
Pacquiao was not able to attend the opening of first regular session of the 18th Congress on Monday as his doctors advised the senator not to return to the Philippines immediately after the fight.
According to Pacquiao’s wife, Jinkee, Pacquaio could leave Las Vegas on Sunday night, which is Monday morning local time.
The senator will also not attend President Rodrigo Duterte’s fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona). /muf