Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines waves to his supporters after his loss to Jeff Horn of Australia, during their WBO World Welterweight title fight in Brisbane, Australia, Sunday, July 2, 2017.
(AP Photo)
Malacañang on Sunday lauded Sen. Manny Pacquiao despite his upset loss to Australian Jeff Horn, who won the World Boxing Organization welterweight title in a bout held in Brisbane.
Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Palace would like to express gratitude to Pacquiao, whose loss does not diminish the honor he brought to the country.
“Nagpapasalamat ang Palasyo sa hindi matatawarang suportang ipinagkaloob kay Manny Pacquaio ng ating mga kababayan sa oras ng tagumpay at maging sa panahon ng pagkabigo,” Abella said.
(The Palace would like to thank the country for its unwavering support for Manny Pacquiao in his hour of victory and even on his hour of defeat.)
“Manny Pacquiao’s loss in Brisbane would not diminish the honors he bestowed to the people and to the flag,” he added.
Abella said Pacquiao will always remain as the people’s champion despite his loss to Horn, which drew angry reactions from his supporters and even his allies in Congress.
“Nothing will change: Senator Manny Pacquaio will remain our People’s Champ, Pambansang Kamao, and National Treasure in Global Sports. Mabuhay ka, Manny,” Abella said.