Palace hails Donaire, Viloria

MANILA, Philippines - A Malacañang official on Sunday hailed the victory of Filipino boxers Nonito Donaire and Brian Viloria as another source of inspiration for Filipinos. In a radio interview, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde dubbed the victory as “a great unifying factor for our country." “Iyan ang kagandahan pagdating sa larangan ng sports, lalo na sa boxing [That’s what’s great about boxing], a great unifying factor for our country, for our people and for our leaders, and that what this country sorely needs" he told Radyo ng Bayan. On Sunday morning, Donaire retained his IBO/IBF flyweight title when he defeated by knockout his Mexican-American challenger Raul Martinez in four rounds. Viloria, meanwhile, scored an 11th-round knockout win against Ulises Solis to snatch the IBF light flyweight championship. Remonde, who watched the matches at Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, said Donaire and Villoria’s victories spelled a great day for the Filipinos around the world as they showcased the strength, determination and perseverance traits of the Filipinos. “We can say that this is a great renaissance for the Philippines, for boxing for the Philippines," he said as he expressed confidence that another victory is in the offing in the upcoming fight of Manny Pacquiao against IBO light flyweight champion Ricky Hatton on May 2 in Nevada. Among the other noted political personalities who were present in the match were Vice President Noli de Castro, former President Joseph Estrada, House Speaker Prospero Nograles Jr., deputy national security adviser Luis “Chavit" Singson, and former Senate president Franklin Drilon. - GMANews.TV