Palace sees Pinoy unity after Pacquiao victory

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Sunday congratulated Manny Pacquiao for his victory over Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, saying his triumph had once again proven that the Filipino can excel in any endeavor. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said Pacquiao's victory also showed that the Filipino can still be united as a nation. "Once again the 'Pacman' has proven that the Filipino can excel in any endeavor and that we can all be united as a nation for the interest of out country," Fajardo said. Pacquiao's thrilling split-decision victory Sunday at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, made him the new World Boxing Council super featherweight champion. Fajardo said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had watched the entire fight and "was very happy for Manny's victory." In a statement, President Arroyo described Pacquiao as "one of our nation's heroes who can unite us even in times of divisiveness." "An icon of the masses, Manny Pacquiao mirrors the champ within every Filipino, here and abroad," the President said. - GMANews.TV