One of Pacquiao’s solon-buddy said he would personally ask the House leadership to pay the Filipino ring hero his salaries despite his absences from session due to his preparations and rest for his match against Mexican Antonio Margarito.

“Whether he won or not, Congressman Pacquiao should not be marked absent because what he has done for our country, no congressman could ever match. I hope Speaker Belmonte will heed my call,” said Rep. Salvio Fortuno of Camarines Sur.

Like Fortuno, House members who decided to stay in the country and content themselves watching Pacquiao on pay-per-view live screening were jubilant at Pacquiao’s newest feat.

Reps. Elmer Panotes (Lakas-Kampi, Camarines Norte) and Bernadette Herrera (Bagong Henerasyon party-list) said what was most notable about Pacquiao’s victory was not the way he overwhelmed Margarito.

“Even in the ring, Manny showed a high level of sportsmanship and gentleness when he signaled the referee to stop the fight as soon as it became clear that Margarito has become helpless and could not fight squarely,” said Panotes.

“What Manny demonstrated in the last two rounds of the fight – the way he threw light punches against a gravely injured opponent – could be recorded in boxing history as among the most vivid display of sportsmanship,” said Herrera.

In a statement, San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito said: “I join the nation in celebrating Manny Pacquiao’s victory. He has once again made us all Filipinos proud by dominating Antonio Margarito in today’s WBC super welterweight boxing bout making him the world’s greatest boxer of all time.”

Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian said: “Once again, he made all Filipinos proud… He brought us back to the world map.”

Majority bloc stalwart Rep. Dan Fernandez (LP, Laguna) said the “David and Goliath” match is one for the books.

“No matter what they say, he’s the greatest fighter that this world has ever produced. He got the power, speed, and intelligence like what David showed when he conquered Goliath,” Fernandez said.

Also reacting to Pacquiao’s victory, Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara (LDP, Aurora) said: “Once again he made us very proud for making history as the only boxer in the world with eight world titles. He showed us not only the finest skills of a boxer but also the finest attitude of a true gentleman.”

Villar lauds Pacquiao

Senator Manny Villar, meanwhile, congratulated Pacquiao for his convincing win.

“Once again, the country stands proud of displaying to the world the undying Filipino spirit as shown by the winning punches of world boxing sensation and our very own, Rep. Manny Pacquiao.

“Pacquiao is now the only living fighter in history to win eight titles in various weight divisions.

“Indeed, he's a fighting machine that brought honor not for himself but for the millions of Filipinos all over the world.

“I, therefore, join our countrymen in congratulating Pacquiao in his latest conquest. Today, we rooted as one nation, we cheered under one flag and we celebrated at the global stage our being a Filipino,” said Villar, president of the Nacionalista Party.

Seat in peace panel

The Philippine Army, recognizing how Pacquiao manages to unite Filipinos each time he has a match, said Sunday it will recommend that he be named to the government peace panel.

Col. Antonio Parlade Jr., Army spokesman, expressed confidence that Pacquiao, who is a reservist with Philippine Army’s 15th Ready Reserve Division, can help in the government’s quest for lasting peace, especially in the countryside.

Ben Rosario, Manila Bulletin