ROXAS JOINS PEOPLE IN CELEBRATING PACQUIAO'S KO VICTORY

Senator Mar Roxas filed a resolution today commending Manny Pacquiao for winning yesterday's (Manila Time) fight against Mexican David Diaz, making him the first Filipino World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion and the first Asian to win world titles in four different weight classes.

"Muling pinakita ni Manny na kaya nating mga Pilipino na harapin at i-'knockout' ang mga problema natin kapag nasa isip natin ang karangalan ng ating bayan at ang kapakanan ng mga kababayan natin," he said.

"Manny is not only a sportsman; he has become an inspiration and provider of hope to many Filipinos who are now receiving multiple blows due to increasing food and oil prices, another devastating typhoon, another seafaring tragedy, and several unresolved government controversies," he added.

Senate Resolution No. 469 reads: "... Pacquiao has once again become a ray of hope to all Filipinos with his spectacular conquest of Mexican David Diaz in their World Boxing Council (WBC) International Lightweight Title Fight held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada."

Pacquiao has also been International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Bantamweight Champion, WBC Flyweight Champion and is the current WBC Super Featherweight Champion, "all of which establishes his case as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world."

"His historic victory serves as a unifying force that provides a common ground for national unity, pride and honor amongst Filipinos," the resolution reads.

Roxas said Pacquiao's efforts and spirit to triumph in the world of boxing was worth emulating by fellow Filipinos, "and truly deserving of national praise and recognition."