Lawmakers congratulate colleague Pacquiao for victory vs. Matthysse

Lawmakers on Sunday congratulated their colleague Senator Manny Pacquiao for scoring a seventh-round technical knockout win against Argentinian boxer Lucas Matthysse.

In a tweet, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who himself watched the fight in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, had a trip down memory lane when he witnessed Pacquiao win against Matthysse.

"I thought I was watching Manny 10 years ago. Your fight unites all Filipinos around the world and your victory brings pride to us all. Mabuhay ka Sen and Champion Manny Pacquiao! @mannypacquiao," he said.

Senator JV Ejercito, who also watched the match live, said he was very happy and proud of Pacquiao's victory.

"Manny has given so much pride and honor to our country. He is one of the best boxers ever. He is already a legend. I would say he has nothing more to prove," he said in a statement.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, said his prayers were answered when Pacquiao and fellow Filipino boxer Jhack Tepora both emerged safe and victorious in their respective matches.

"My early morning prayer today was for him and Jhack Tepora to be safe, not to be hurt badly and victorious, all in that order. I thank God my prayer has been heard," he said.

For his part, Senator Richard Gordon said Pacquiao should be an inspiration for Filipinos.

"He proved that we can all do anything. If it is to be, it must be up to us. Congrats to the Greatness of the Filipino!" he said.

Senator Nancy Binay called Pacquiao the nation's "pride and joy." 

"Ipinakita sa atin ng ating Pambansang Kamao kung paano muling bumangon, at kung paano mapagtagumpayan ang mga balakid sa kabila ng maraming mga hamon sa buhay," she said. 

"As ever, PacMan’s ability to unite us Filipinos and take our breath away with his every move during his matches has no equal."

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, on the other hand, said that he is still a fan of Pacquiao, despite their political differences.

"His politics aside, I remain a Manny Pacquiao fan. Congrats, Sen. @mannypacquiao!" he said in a tweet.

At the House of Representatives, Davao City Representative Karlo Nograles and PBA party-list Representative Jericho Nograles both congratulated Pacquiao for his win.

"While some doubted the ability of Manny to win, and others were nudging him to retire, this People's Champ just refused to give up! No one can put a good man down," the Davao City lawmaker said in a statement.

"Now, no one can doubt the heart of a true champion! Sen. Pacquiao's victory is an inspiration to all Filipinos: to never give up and persevere," he said.

For his part, Jericho Nograles said Pacquiao, in balancing his profession as a fighter and lawmaker, made it possible for him to win.

"He continues to be a fine example to athletes and common Filipinos alike. Walang imposible kung may disiplina," he said.

Pacquiao said he is ready to go back to public service after winning his match against Matthysse.

His technical knockout win was first since 2009, scoring his 60th victory against seven defeats and two draws. —Erwin Colcol/LBG/BM, GMA News

IN PHOTOS: Pacquiao vs. Matthysse