LAWMAKERS yesterday congratulated their colleague, Sarangani Rep. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, on his huge victory against Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Leyte Rep.  Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said the unanimous decision victory of Pacquiao reflected Filipinos’ strong determination to succeed in life despite big challenges.

“He gave another honor and glory to the Philippines in general as Filipinos stood united once again. The resounding triumph of Pacquiao demonstrates to the world the hard work, courage, and strength of Filipinos as trademarks in winning the battle and overcoming any difficulty,” said Romualdez who stressed that resolutions from the House of Representatives recognizing his another huge victory are expected to be filed.

“In Pacquiao, we have found a modern-day hero.  God was with us and Manny won superbly,” Romualdez added. “We thank his discipline that developed his superb athletic skills.  This gives the country a big space on the map of the sporting world.”

Quezon Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga and Batangas Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza hailed Pacquiao for another great victory which bolsters his spectacular boxing career.

“Pacquiao will continue to give more honor and prestige to the country with his future string of victories in boxing. Thank you Manny Pacquiao for being the country’s prime source of unity, pride and honor,” said Enverga.

San Juan City Rep. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said “he (Pacquiao) has once again made us all Filipinos proud by dominating Sugar Shane Mosley in (the fight). My friend and colleague in the House of Representatives showed us what good old-fashioned formula of hard work, determination and discipline can achieve.”

In his previous victories, the House honored Pacquiao with the Congressional Medal of Achievement, the only sportsman ever to win the coveted award. 

Sen. Pia Cayetano, herself a triathlete and sports enthusiast, said that Pacquiao “draws inspiration from his people and the Filipino people draw inspiration from him.” She added: “Having fought and defeated the best fighters of his generation, he is undoubtedly the boxing world’s greatest pound-for-pound king.”

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said that “for the nth time, Manny Pacquiao had exemplified the most admirable of all Filipino traits- never surrender. He had not lost his spirit and will to win despite his questionable knockdown in the tenth round.”  

“He succeeded not only in defending his WBO welterweight title but also the title of being indeed the Filipino People’s Champ. His latest victory showed that we Filipinos can achieve anything only if we put our minds and hearts to our goal.  Pacquiao is undeniably an inspiration to our countrymen,” Revilla said.      Sen. Loren Legarda said that the pound for pound king is truly “a national treasure who not only gives pride to the Filipino but more importantly unites his people from all walks of life.”

With Bernadette E. Tamayo