Tertius Pickard/AP |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--MalacaƱang commended Manny Pacquiao despite his shock loss to upstart Australian Jeff Horn for the WBO welterweight belt in Brisbane.
[Related Story: BIG UPSET IN BRISBANE | Horn steals WBO belt from Pacquiao]
"Manny Pacquiao's loss in Brisbane would not diminish the honors he bestowed to the people and to the flag," the Palace said in a statement on Sunday. "Nothing will change: Senator Manny Pacquiao will remain our People's Champ, Pambansang Kamao, and National Treasure in Global Sports."
MalacaƱang also expressed its gratitude to the Filipinos who cheered for Pacquiao in the bout.
"Nagpapasalamat ang Palasyo sa hindi matawarang suportang ipinagkaloob kay Manny Pacquiao ng ating mga kababayan sa oras ng tagumpay maging sa panahon ng pagkabigo," the Palace's statement continued.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno