LEYTE 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday lauded boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s valiant effort against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, saying the majority draw does not lessen the pride and inspiration he once again gave the nation.
“Victory isn’t always measured by the belt—but by the courage to keep fighting,” Rep. Romualdez, Speaker of the 19th Congress, said following the 46-year-old Pacquiao’s return to the global boxing stage.
Pacquiao sought to make history as the oldest fighter to win the welterweight championship but fell short when the judges ruled the 12-round bout a majority draw.
Still, Rep. Romualdez said Pacquiao’s performance was nothing short of triumphant.
“Today, we witnessed two warriors leave it all in the ring. And though the judges called it a draw, for us Filipinos, the mere return of Manny Pacquiao to the global boxing stage—at 46 years old—is a victory in itself,” Rep. Romualdez said.
He added: “Manny showed the heart of a true champion: fearless, relentless, and full of pride for his country. Sa bawat suntok, dala niya ang pangalan ng Pilipinas. Sa bawat galaw, tagos ang determinasyon ng isang Pilipinong hindi sumusuko.”
Rep. Romualdez said Pacquiao’s performance reminded the world of the strength and dignity of the Filipino spirit.
“A draw may not be the ending we hoped for, but it was a performance that reminded the world who Manny Pacquiao is—and who we are as a people: matatag, palaban, at may dangal,” Rep.
Romualdez said.
“To Manny—thank you for once again putting our flag on the global stage. You proved that greatness knows no age, and that legacy is not about wins and losses—but the lives you continue to inspire,” he stressed.
Rep. Romualdez also extended his respect to Barrios for a “hard-fought battle” and praised the millions of Filipinos who rallied behind their boxing icon.
“To every Filipino who stood behind our Pambansang Kamao: this was our fight, too. And in unity, we draw strength. Mabuhay ka, Manny. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” Rep. Romualdez added.
