Sotto commends Martinez

Senator Vicente C. Sotto III has filed a resolution to commend Michael Christian Martinez for being the first skater from Southeast Asia to qualify for Winter Olympics and for finishing 19th place in the 2014 winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia.

In a Resolution No. 505, Sotto cited section 17 of article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that, "the State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development."

The 2014 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXII Olympic Winter Games is a major international multi-sport event held in Sochi, Russia on February 7-23, 2014.

Martinez, a 17-year old Filipino skater, is the first skater from Southeast Asia to qualify for the Winter Olympics. He is the lone representative of the Philippines at the 2014 Winter Olympics and served as its flag bearer during the opening ceremony. He qualified for the free skate and finished 19th overall with a total score of 184.25 in the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Sotto, who is the first senator to file a resolution to commend Martinez, admires him because despite his family's limited resources and severe asthma medical condition, he pursued to learn and develop his skills in figure skating in various shopping mall rinks in the Philippines.

Martinez dreamed that one day he would join the Winter Olympics and would bring pride to Filipino nation.

"Martinez has proved to Filipinos that with perseverance, determination and hardwork, it is possible to attain and fulfill one's goals," Sotto said.

During Martinez' performance, commentators of the 2014 Winter Olympics have uttered the following compliments: "Such a great performance from such a young man!, what a debut for the Philippines!, that was fantastic!

"Martinez' achievement has brought pride, recognition and honor to the country and to Filipino people," Sotto pointed out. "He rightfully deserves commendation from the Philippine Senate for remarkably showing to the world the exceptional talent of Filipinos."

According to Sotto, the Senate of the Philippines should commend and congratulate Michael Christian Martinez for bringing pride, joy and honor to the Filipino people.