Lawmaker wants Pacquiao honored anew

MANILA, Philippines -  A party-list lawmaker took the initiative of adding another feather in the cap of boxing legend Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao for his latest victory over American Shane Mosley.

Ang Kasangga sa Kaunlaran Rep. Teodorico Haresco filed a resolution citing Pacquiao for bringing “yet another proud achievement for the whole nation as he carries the hopes of 90 million Filipinos every time he climbs the ring.”

Haresco filed House Resolution 1202 conferring the Quezon Service Cross Award on Pacquiao even as Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. admitted lawmakers are finding it difficult to find awards that could be bestowed on Pacquiao “at the rate he is winning his fights.”

It was only last November that the House of Representatives conferred the Congressional Medal of Distinction on Pacquiao for defeating Mexican slugger Antonio Margarito.

Haresco said the Quezon Service Cross is the highest national order of the country, which is awarded to individuals for exemplary service to the nation “in such a manner and such a degree as to add great prestige to the Republic of the Philippines, or as to contribute to the lasting benefit of its people.”

“By his actions and his successes, he (Pacquiao) has performed a diplomatic role for the Philippines unlike any other and therefore merits the awarding of the Quezon Service Cross, for the use of his unique skills and attributes in bringing glory, honor, and respect to the Philippines and himself, thereby performing a diplomatic function for the Philippines unlike any other,” he said.

He said Pacquiao, by way of his victories, “has exhibited true, unwavering dedication to his craft.”

“And in so doing (Pacquiao) has brought a level of prestige, respect and renown to the Philippines far out of proportion to his sportsmanship and athletic skill,” Haresco said.

Belmonte led the resumption of session at the House and cited Pacquiao for igniting national pride with his impressive victory over Mosley in Las Vegas last May 8.

“Manny Pacquiao, our colleague, once more made us proud,” Belmonte said.

“In fact, we are hard pressed to think of new awards which we could give him, at the rate he is winning,” he said.

Belmonte noted Pacquiao is the only boxer in the world holding titles in eight different weight divisions and the first boxer in history to win the lineal championship in four different weight divisions.

He said the fighting congressman’s defense of the WBO welterweight championship title again “only strengthens his grip as the world’s pound-for-pound king of boxing.”

Belmonte also cited Pacquiao “for continuing to keep the hope and inspiration alive in the hearts of every Filipino here and abroad-especially of our youth who emulate him for his discipline, faith and determination.”