ON the opening of session yesterday,  a member of the  House of Representatives appealed to Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao to consider retiring from  boxing.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte led the House of Representatives in congratulating Pacquiao for retaining his WBO welterweight title against American  boxer Sugar Shane Mosley.

“National pride has once again been ignited by the impressive victory of our colleague Manny Pacquiao. It is an overwhelming achievement which he holds not just for himself but for every Filipino,” Belmonte said.

But Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said that since Pacquiao has already showed his power and prowess in boxing he should retire.

Evardone said Pacquiao  should focus his attention on his present career in politics and fulfill his responsibilities in helping his constituents.

Also, Evardone said that because Pacquiao is considered the greatest boxer in the world, few fighters dare to meet him in the ring that is why his bout is getting boring.

“He is at the peak of his career and physically he is in his top shape. Maybe one or two more fights pwede na si Manny.  But his next fights if ever will be boring already. Baka langawin na sa takilya dahil wala na siyang katapat,” Evardone said.

“All of them are scared to death. In that case, retirement becomes a viable option as he has nothing more to prove. He can focus on his commitment to alleviate the plight of the poor. That will be the biggest challenge outside of the ring,” he added.

Other lawmakers also commented on Pacquiao’s fight and victory.

Davao City Rep. Mylene Garcia-Albano said they had hoped and prayed that Pacquiao would not only win but that he would be protected from harm.

“We are truly happy that Manny, who is a fellow Mindanaoan, once again emerged the winner and was safely protected throughout the fight. We look forward to his homecoming,” Garcia-Albano said.

Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Carlos Padilla expressed elation over the victory of Pacquiao since the fight once more had a unifying effect on the nation as Filipinos rooted and prayed for him, and ultimately celebrated his victory.

“His victory reaffirmed his title as the world’s pound-for-pound king. He is truly a strong, well-focused and brilliant ring fighter,” Padilla said.

Oriental Mindoro Rep. Rodolfo Valencia said that Pacquiao’s victory was expected because he is a more prepared and stronger fighter.

“Congratulations Manny. While he trained well for the fight physically, mentally and spiritually, we had matched this with our personal prayers for him,” Valencia said.

Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino II stressed that Pacquiao deserves to receive another congressional recognition for winning again and making the nation proud of his latest feat.

“Manny fearlessly fought another opponent bigger and older than him. We’ve been confident of his victory because he has trained well and prepared for his opponent’s strategy. We expect that another congressional Medal of Honor will be given to him,” Aquino said.