MANILA (Updated) -- Malacañang on Sunday, November 6, congratulated Senator Manny Pacquiao for reclaiming the World Boxing Organization welterweight title for the third time after defeating Mexican-American boxer Jessie Vargas.
"Once again, Manny’s triumph united and brought joy to our people and our nation," Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement.
"The discipline, the determination, and the hard work of our People’s Champ are truly what make him a National Treasure in Global Sports," he added.
Andanar said the Palace also thanks the Filipino people for their support to Filipino Nonito Donaire, who also fought at the Thomas & Mack Center Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Donaire, however, lost to Mexican Jessie Magdaleno.
"Nonito Donaire’s quest to be the ‘king in the ring’ unfortunately did not materialize. This, however, would not diminish the honors he bestowed to the people and to the flag," said Andanar.
He said Donaire remains "The Filipino Flash" with his quick hand speed and formidable punching power.
Andanar said the courage and grit displayed by the Filipino boxers in Las Vegas "are the same qualities we must demonstrate as a nation to rid society of drugs, criminality and corruption."
"Government has been successfully waging a war on these fronts and we as a people – emulating our boxers’ toughness against all odds – must continue the strong gains as we battle towards victory," he added.
Pacquiao won in a unanimous decision from three judges, two with scores of 118-109 and the third with 114-113.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also extended its congratulations to Pacquiao for winning the bout.
"This latest triumph once again brings to fore the finest qualities of the Filipino sportsman and athlete in world sports. Mabuhay ka Colonel Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao! Muli mo na namang itinaas ang bandila ng Sambayanang Pilipino sa buong mundo," said spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla.
Philippine Army spokesman Colonel Benjamin Hao said as a world-class boxer, "Army Lieutenant Colonel Manny Pacquiao of the Reserve Force has truly been a source of inspiration, not only to our troops, but also to our organization who aspires to be a world-class Army by 2028."
"Pacquiao’s win is another milestone in his boxing career and in the minds of our troops that Filipinos can be on top of the world with dedication, focus, and love of our country," he added.
For AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Colonel Edgard Arevalo, Pacquaio's triumph "proves how Filipinos can reign supreme in his craft -- whether in sports or in life's mightier struggle."
"His victory epitomizes resolve to pursue a struggle and succeed. He exemplifies the Filipino indomitable spirit to rise above expectations from his humble beginnings, to the international boxing arena, to the hallowed halls of Philippine Senate," said Arevalo.
"The Armed Forces of the Philippines shares the jubilation of the Filipinos here and around the world for this yet another great feat in world sports history," he added. (SDR/VR/Sunnex)