By Azer Parrocha/PNA
MANILA — Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar hailed boxer-senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao for beating Adrien Broner via unanimous decision to retain his World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title at MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas on Sunday (Manila time).
“The Philippines is rejoicing for Manny Pacquiao sa victory, akalain mo 11 years iyong kanilang agwat ‘di ba, tapos nanalo pa si Senator Manny Pacquiao (for his victory, who would have thought that despite the 11-year age gap, Senator Manny Pacquiao still won)?” Andanar said in an interview over dzMM.
“He’s really the People’s Champ and we are very-very proud of Senator Manny Pacquiao — mabuhay ka Manny (long live Manny),” he added.
Andanar cited the discipline of the 40-year-old boxer as major key to his success.
“Sa age ni Senator Manny Pacquiao na may edad na rin pero kita naman natin because of his discipline ay nakakamit niya pa rin itong mga ganitong bihirang tagumpay (Senator Manny Pacquiao is getting older but we can see that because of his discipline, he can still achieve these rare victories),” Andanar said.
The PCOO chief added that Filipinos, especially the youth, should also emulate Pacquiao’s discipline.
“We should really emulate Manny Pacquiao, lalung-lalo na iyong mga kabataan ‘no, kailangan talagang tingnan si (especially the youth who should really see) Manny Pacquiao in a way that he has shown as so much discipline,” he added.
Andanar said that Pacquiao has brought great honor to the country and all Filipinos by defending his belt.
“There was a time ang Pilipinas ay nakikilala dahil kay Manny Pacquiao at (that the Philippines was recognized because of Manny Pacquiao and) he has done that before and he continues to do that now,” he said.
“We have had so many Sundays with so many victories na inuwi sa atin ni Manny Pacquiao (that Manny Pacquiao brought home) that’s why we should be very-very thankful kay (to) Manny and we are very-very proud of him,” he added.
