BEFORE a jam-packed session hall, the House of Representatives, in plenary session, conferred the Congressional Medal of Distinction to boxing icon People’s Champ Movement Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao for becoming the first professional boxer in history to capture eight world titles in different weight divisions after defeating Antonio Margarito of Mexico for the World Boxing Council super-featherweight title. In House Resolutions 44 and 45, legislators said Pacquiao’s latest feat “brings once again prestige and honor to the country, arouses a feeling of pride and patriotism among our people and his sportsmanship character serves as an inspiration for the sports-loving Filipino youth to emulate, and for the Filipino people to treasure for all time.”
“Ganda ng award!” exclaimed Pacquiao, who took the floor to thank his colleagues after receiving the award.
Pacquiao said that with his latest victory, the Filipino people could now be included in the eight wonders of the world.”
Following his short speech, the session was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. on the motion of Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II to give way for the victory celebration for the pound-for-pound king.
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. in his speech before the ceremony said that besides Pacquiao’s achievement, his rags-to-riches story is also awesome.
“We honor Manny today not just for what he has achieved but more so for what his many victories signify for us, his countrymen. This is the same young man who lived in dire straits for most of his young life but refused to make his circumstances limit him. As a young man of 14, he dreamed big and his discipline and determination paid him back a thousandfold.
“He has shown that he is a man of strong faith, which has carried him through every adversity and he has never ceased to return that gratitude to our God despite what he has already achieved in his life. For Manny, learning and growing is never-ending. From boxing, to his singing, to his movie career, to his entry into politics, he continues to open himself to rediscovery and development,” said Belmonte.
Belmonte said that if only all congressmen share Pacquiao’s focus and resolve, “every goal we set can be realized.”
In an earlier news conference with Belmonte, Pacquiao said that following his victory over Margarito, he now wants to focus on public service and become “a Champion as Public Servant.”
Relatedly, militant legislators expressed eagerness to work with the Pacquiao in pursuing a joint bill to establish barangay fitness centers all over the country.
“Now Rep. Pacquiao can get back to his second love, that is, being a public servant. With him back, we can jointly pursue new policies to benefit the people, especially the poor, like House Bill 2830 that seeks to establish community fitness centers in every barangay,” said Party-list Casino of Bayan Muna.
Fernan Marasigan, Business World
