House Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero (1-Pacman Partylist) delivered his promise to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics boxing medalists despite being out of the country.
Romero, who is in Las Vegas to show support for his dear friend Senator Manny Pacquiao in his much-awaited comeback fight against Cuban Yordenis Ugás, virtually led via Zoom the simple handover of checks to Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Felix Marcial on Saturday (Aug. 21) at the AirAsia headquarters inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
In a ceremony aptly dubbed “Bagsig Ng Kamao,” Romero fulfilled his pledge of P2 million each to silver finishers Petecio and Paalam as well as P1 million to bronze winner Marcial.
“Nesthy, Carlo and Eumir brought immense pride and hope to the Filipino people amid these trying times due to the pandemic. They truly deserve these blessings,” said Romero.
AirAsia executives Edwin Galvez and Erick Arejola were on hand to give the checks to the Tokyo Games heroes.
Romero also stressed the significance of their victories to Philippine boxing.
“They proved once again na kaya talaga ng mga Pinoy na makipagsabayan sa buong mundo pagdating sa boxing like what Manny Pacquiao and our other great boxers did. Iba ang bagsik ng mga kamao ng Pinoy!” he said.
Two weeks ago, Romero handed the P5 million check of Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s first Olympic gold medal winner.
Petecio and Paalam punched their way to silver in the women’s featherweight and men’s flyweight divisions, respectively, while Marcial bagged the bronze in the men’s middleweight category.
Together with Diaz, the three boxers lifted the country to its best performance in the Summer Games in 97 years.
“We are extremely proud of these sports heroes. Their achievements will surely serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Filipino boxers,” Romero said.
The genuine sports patron’s handing of the rewards to the three fighters couldn’t have better timing as they were bound to return to their respective hometowns.
“Saktong-sakto ito for them to celebrate their victories with their families,” the NorthPort Batang Pier team owner said.
Petecio, Paalam, and Marcial sent their warmest gratitude to Romero and said that his burning passion to help Philippine sports reach greater heights will definitely encourage the athletes to press on despite the many challenges. (Office of House Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero) – bny
