12 House resolutions filed to commend Rep. Pacquiao

At least 12 lawmakers on Monday filed resolutions in the House of Representatives commending their colleague, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, for winning his eighth world title by defeating Antonio Margarito last Sunday (Manila time). First to file a resolution was House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, followed by: - Camarines Norte Rep. Renato Unico Jr; - Bohol Rep. Arthur Yap; - Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas; - Ako Bicol Rep. Christoper Co; - Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy; - Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casino; - Quezon City Rep. Winnie Castelo; - Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing; - Bohol Rep. Erico Aumentado; - Compostela Valley Rep. Ma Carmen Zamora-Apsay - Malabon Rep. Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel. Pacquiao beat Margarito for the WBC super welterweight crown via unanimous decision at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington City, Texas, for his eighth boxing title in eight weight divisions. In filing House Resolution 613, Casino said Pacquiao’s triumph in the boxing ring has raised the national pride and collective honor of the Filipino people in the international arena. “The son of Mindanao and the Philippines’ pride beat Margarito despite a clear disadvantage in height (4.5 inches), reach (6 inches) and weight (more than 10 pounds) by fight night," he said. The 31-year-old Pacquiao was also the first nationally-elected official to compete in a professional boxing championship. Pacquiao, as a neophyte legislator, had authored four House bills, delivered two privilege speeches, co-authored 19 House measures, aside from actively participating in committee hearings prior to his fight in Texas. “His efforts at becoming a legislator is warmly welcomed and appreciated by fellow House members and the public at large," Casino said. He said Pacquiao has risen from adversity and poverty to help unite the country with each championship bout that he engages in. In House Resolution 617, Castelo commended Pacquiao for always exuding the Filipino traits of humility, religiosity and faith “as he goes through life’s challenges and never for a single moment being arrogant, callous or insensitive to the plight of others." Aside from the recent victory, Pacquiao had won the World Boxing Council (WBC) Flyweight Champion in 1998-1999; International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Bantamweight Champion in 2001-2004; RING Featherweight Champion in 2003-2005; WBC and RING Super Featherweight Champion in 2008; and WBC Lightweight Champion, 2008-2009. He is also the current champion of the International Boxing Organization (IBO) and RING Junior Welterweight Champion as well as in the World Boxing Organization, and reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight Champion. Pacquiao’s record in the ring now stands at 57 fights, of which 52 are wins (38 by way of knockout), three losses, and two draws. - Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMANews.TV