Malacañang on Sunday lauded Sen. Manny Pacquiao for displaying a vintage performance against Adrien Broner, saying he has brought anew honor and glory to the nation.
“The Palace is one with the entire Filipino people in celebrating Sen. Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao’s successful WBA welterweight title defense over American Adrien Broner,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.
“While 11 years older than his opponent, the 40-year-old ‘Pambansang Kamao’ displayed his vintage form just like in his heyday and dominated Broner, who went back-pedalling, in full 12 rounds of battle,” he added.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles also congratulated Pacquiao who still packs a punch at 40, saying he was an example of the resilience and fighting spirit of Filipinos.
“Once again, you have proven that age is just a number and no goal is insurmountable if there is hard work, persistence and determination,” Nograles said. “Thank you for continuing to bring pride to the country and for always being an example of the Filipino’s resilience and fighting spirit!” he added.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated Pacquiao’s victory.
AFP Public Affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato said Pacquiao’s victory did not only demonstrate the Filipino’s natural trait of strength and courage, he also showed the world how determined, disciplined, and hardworking
the Filipinos are, just like his comrades in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Our soldiers are proud and inspired not only by the performance Sen. Manny Pacquiao demonstrated in the ring, but as well as the humility he manifested despite his triumphant win,” Detoyato said. (Genalyn Kabiling and Francis Wakefield)