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| AP |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA–The office of President Rodrigo Duterte commended both Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire for their gallant stand at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Sunday (Philippine Time).
A statement made by Presidential Communications secretary Martin Andanar said, "Nagpapasalamat ang Palasyo sa hindi matatawarang suportang ipinagkaloob ng ating mga kababayan sa oras ng tagumpay at maging sa panahon ng pagkabigo ng ating mga boksingero."
On Pacquiao, who trounced Jessie Vargas for the WBO welterweight title, Andanar said, "Once again, Manny’s triumph united and brought joy to our people and our nation. The discipline, the determination, and the hard work of our People’s Champ are truly what make him a National Treasure in Global Sports."
Andanar also said that there is nothing to take away from Donaire despite his shock loss to Jessie Magdaleno for the WBO junior featherweight title.
[Related Story: Donaire falls to Magdaleno, loses WBO title]
"[The loss to Magdaleno] would not diminish the honors he bestowed to the people and to the flag. He remains "The Filipino Flash" with his quick hand speed and formidable punching power," Andanar stated.
Andanar concluded by saying that the Filipinos should see Pacquiao and Donaire as models as he encourages them to continue the fight against drugs and corruption.
"The courage and grit displayed by our Filipino boxers in Las Vegas are the same qualities we must demonstrate as a nation to rid society of drugs, criminality and corruption. [The] government has been successfully waging a war on these fronts and we as a people–emulating our boxers’ toughness against all odds–must continue the strong gains as we battle towards victory." Andanar said.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
On Pacquiao, who trounced Jessie Vargas for the WBO welterweight title, Andanar said, "Once again, Manny’s triumph united and brought joy to our people and our nation. The discipline, the determination, and the hard work of our People’s Champ are truly what make him a National Treasure in Global Sports."
Andanar also said that there is nothing to take away from Donaire despite his shock loss to Jessie Magdaleno for the WBO junior featherweight title.
[Related Story: Donaire falls to Magdaleno, loses WBO title]
"[The loss to Magdaleno] would not diminish the honors he bestowed to the people and to the flag. He remains "The Filipino Flash" with his quick hand speed and formidable punching power," Andanar stated.
Andanar concluded by saying that the Filipinos should see Pacquiao and Donaire as models as he encourages them to continue the fight against drugs and corruption.
"The courage and grit displayed by our Filipino boxers in Las Vegas are the same qualities we must demonstrate as a nation to rid society of drugs, criminality and corruption. [The] government has been successfully waging a war on these fronts and we as a people–emulating our boxers’ toughness against all odds–must continue the strong gains as we battle towards victory." Andanar said.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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