For once, RP unites — to cheer for Manny

President Arroyo, armed insurgents and common street folk found unity yesterday when they cheered for Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao then collectively grieved over his defeat to Mexico’s Erik Morales.

All three judges declared Morales the winner after the non-title super featherweight showdown fought before a sellout crowd that included First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and dozens of Filipino lawmakers at the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao, the slight favorite, fought desperately with blood flowing down his face from a bad cut over his right eye, earning praise at home despite his loss. Many fans believed he would bounce back with the same ferocity that has earned him a string of boxing victories and turned him into an icon in his divided and poor Southeast Asian country.

"I praise Manny Pacquiao’s bravery, ability and fighting spirit," Mrs. Arroyo said. "I am sure he will bounce back from his loss."

"We cheer Manny as an outstanding Filipino. He sets an example of the toughness we need to surmount our trials and in fighting our way to become a strong Philippines," the President said.

Mr. Arroyo, who was in Las Vegas to watch the fight, said Pacquiao "fought like a warrior" but Morales’ headbutt in the fifth round of the scheduled 12-rounder did him in.

"He fought and fought even with blood in his eyes," Mr. Arroyo, a sports benefactor, told The STAR. "It was the head butt that did him in but the referee claimed it came from a punch."

He said members of the Philippine delegation, who also reviewed replays, were unanimous in saying the referee’s faulty decision stacked up the odds against Pacquiao.

Apparently overcome by Pacquiao’s defeat, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye for his part said he would not issue any comment and that the statement of the President was enough.

In their hinterland strongholds, Marxist and Muslim separatists took time out to monitor the bout over the radio.

"It’s sad because most of us expected he would win by knocking out his foe," said Eid Kabalu, spokesman for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that has been fighting for a separate homeland in the country’s South. Pacquiao hails from General Santos City in Mindanao.

"It’s good he did not fall because that would have been more painful for us," he said.

In many areas in Mindanao, villagers and rebels were glued to their radios, and some traveled to town centers to watch the boxing match on TV, he said.

Communist rebel spokesman Gregorio Rosal said Pacquiao fought valiantly but lost, and if there were doubts about his defeat, Filipinos could seek a rematch.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan offered some words of encouragement to Pacquiao in the wake of his Las Vegas defeat.

"He fought a very good fight. No matter what, Manny will always be the hero of the Filipino masses. He makes us proud to be Filipinos, win or lose. We are behind him all the way," he said in a statement.

Pangilinan noted that "sportsmanship" is not just about winning. "It’s also about fighting a good fight and Manny Pacquiao did just that."

Sen. Manny Villar said Pacquiao remains a champion. "He gave his best shot in his match with Erik Morales. And that alone makes him a winner in our hearts," he said, adding that the General Santos city native should be given a hero’s welcome.

"We are looking forward to welcome you back home. There are boxing matches waiting to be won by you. And the Filipino nation will support you –win or lose," he said in a statement.

In Manila’s streets, it was evident when Pacquiao landed a good punch by the howl of the crowd which yelled his name as they gathered around TVs and radios. At a shoe store in the capital’s pier area, a crowd of about 30 men listening to a radio felt the first sign of trouble when Pacquiao’s suffered a cut in the 5th round.

When the decision was announced, they dispersed quietly, some shaking their heads.

Street vendor Agacan Angni said Pacquiao made him proud as a Filipino and felt the boxer’s loss was his.

"It’s a sad day but don’t worry, someday we will be back." — Paolo Romero, Christina Mendez