Palace, lawmakers laud Carlo Paalam for winning silver medal in Tokyo Olympics

Malacañang and several lawmakers praised Carlo Paalam for winning another silver medal for the Philippines after his final match in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics men’s boxing flyweight division.

In a statement, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque acknowledged Paalam’s hard work which led to the Filipino boxer’s success in the Summer Games.

“Carlo's road to the Olympics is the story of Filipinos – one filled with perseverance, sacrifice and hard work. May Carlo's performance further serve as an inspiration to young generation of Filipinos,” he said.

Malacañang also thanked all the Filipino athletes who participated in the games for “showcasing their world-class talent, representing the country, and uplifting the spirit of our people in these trying times of COVID-19.”

“We thank you for giving the Philippines its best Olympic performance in history,” Roque said.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco also commended the Filipino boxer for another podium finish and for representing the Philippines in the Olympics.

“Carlo is an amazing young boxer with a bright future. We look forward to him and fellow boxing silver medalist Nesthy Petecio claiming the country’s first-ever Olympic boxing gold medal in the 2024 Paris Games,” he said in a statement.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri likewise extended his congratulations to Paalam, as well as the other Filipino athletes who participated in the Olympics, for bagging the most number of medals in the Philippine history.

“So proud of Carlo Paalam and all our Tokyo athletes for giving their best… The whole Philippines is proud of all of you! Best showing EVER and best performance among the South East Asian Countries at the games! Thank you for giving us hope during these times of uncertainty and lockdowns. Mabuhay ang Philippine Sports!” Zubiri said in a Viber message to reporters.

He acknowledged the efforts of the National Sports Associations, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for leading the Filipino delegates in the Tokyo Olympics.

Senators Grace Poe, Joel Villanueva, Francis Pangilinan, and Nancy Binay have also congratulated Paalam on his Olympic win.

ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Jocelyn Tulfo and Misamis Oriental 2nd District Representative Juliette Uy also sent their commendations to Paalam. Both lawmakers raised the need to strengthen the grassroots sports program to raise more Olympians after Paalam's silver medal finish.

On Saturday, Paalam bagged another silver medal for the Philippines after losing to Galal Yafai of Great Britain in the men’s flyweight final round of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Paalam's silver medal wraps the Philippine boxing team's banner campaign in the Summer Games, with two silvers and one bronze medal. —KG, GMA News