Sotto files resolution commending skater Michael Martinez

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Vicente Sotto III has filed a resolution commending Michael Christian Martinez for being the first skater from Southeast Asia to qualify for the Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia this year.

Sotto also lauded Martinez for finishing 19th place in the 2014 winter Olympics.

“Martinez has proved to Filipinos that with perseverance, determination and hardwork, it is possible to attain and fulfill one’s goals,” Sotto said.

Martinez, a 17-year-old Filipino skater, is the first skater from Southeast Asia to qualify for the Winter Olympics. He is the lone representative of the Philippines at the 2014 Winter Olympics and served as its flag bearer during the opening ceremony. He qualified for the free skate and finished 19th overall with a total score of 184.25 in the 2014 Winter Olympics.

During Martinez’ performance, commentators of the 2014 Winter Olympics have uttered the following compliments: “Such a great performance from such a young man!, what a debut for the Philippines!, That was fantastic!

“Martinez’ achievement has brought pride, recognition and honor to the country and to Filipino people,” Sotto pointed out. “He rightfully deserves commendation from the Philippine Senate for remarkably showing to the world the exceptional talent of Filipinos.”

According to Sotto, the Senate of the Philippines should commend and congratulate Martinez for bringing pride, joy and honor to the Filipino people.

The 2014 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXII Olympic Winter Games, is a major international multi-sport event held in Sochi, Russia on February 7-23, 2014.

In Resolution No. 505, Sotto cited section 17 of article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that, "the State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development."

Sotto admired the young skater because despite his family’s limited resources and his severe asthma medical condition, Martinez pursued to learn and develop his skills in figure skating in various shopping mall rinks in the Philippines.

Martinez dreamed that one day he would join the Winter Olympics and would bring pride to the Filipino nation.