Palace, gov’t officials congratulate Pacquiao on win vs. Broner

Government officials and the Palace on Sunday sent their congratulations to Manny Pacquiao for defending his WBA welterweight title against American fighter Adrien Broner.

"The Palace is one with the entire Filipino people in celebrating Senator Emmanuel 'Manny' Pacquiao's successful WBA welterweight title defense over American Adrien Broner," presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

"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 twelve rounds of battle," he added.

Pacquiao He also thanked Pacquiao for "bringing honor and glory" to the country through his "athleticism, power and Filipino pride."

"We thank our pound-for-pound king for not only bringing honor and glory to our flag, but for once again uniting all Filipinos worldwide with his display of athleticism, power and Filipino pride. Mabuhay ka, Manny! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!"

Pacquiao's fellow senators Nancy Binay, Juan Miguel Zubiri and Sonny Angara also released statements to applaud his win.

"Muli, sa panibagong laban na ito, ipinakita sa atin ni Sen. Manny Pacquiao kung bakit nananatili siyang bayani sa puso ng mga kababayan natin," Binay said.

"His prowess inside the ring is matched by his humility, magnanimity, and genuine love for the people. Ipinagmamalaki ka namin, Pacman. Congratulations, at Mabuhay ang Filipino!" she added.

Zubiri lauded Pacuiqo's "superhuman" strength and heart. "He is a Champion of the ages, winning Championships throughout his two and a half decades of boxing and defying father time," he said.

"At age 40 he shows us that nothing is impossible with hard work, dedication and love for God. A true inspiration not only to us Filipinos but to people all over the world. [Whose] life story can be emulated by kids from the streets of Africa to the slums in Brazil," he added. 

Angara also thanked Pacquiao for "bringing never ending joy and pride to your kababayans" the world over.

"Once again, you have proven that you are indeed one of the greatest boxers of all time," he said.

In separate statements, Senator Win Gatchalian said Pacquiao's win proves "na walang imposible if you put your heart and mind to it," while Senator JV Ejercito said that it "showed that faith in God, the will to win, and the determination and discipline to overcome battles can be an important lesson to us all."

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Benjamin Madrigal also lauded Pacquiao's latest triumph.

"Our soldiers are proud and inspired not only by the performance of Senator Manny Pacquiao but as well as the humility he manifested despite his triumphant win," he said in a statement.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde also offered his congratulations.

"Senator Manny Pacquiao’s grit and determination both inside and outside of the ring should inspire every Filipino to aim higher not only for one’s interest but also for the interest of others and of the entire nation," he said.

Members of the House of Representatives also praised Pacquiao, including House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

PBA party-list Representative Jericho Nograles said that Broner should "accept his defeat gracefully."

"I do not think that the fight is rigged, and neither does the world. Pacquiao won fair and square," he said. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas with Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News