The President lauded the three fighters for they exemplified the courage and spirit of the Filipinos, noting their victories sparked a rush of feats on international fronts by their compatriots, particularly US Open billiards champ Alex Pagulayan and Precious Lara Quigaman, who was crowned Miss International in the world beauty pageant in Tokyo.
Pacquiao, the well-loved Filipino boxing icon, knocked out Mexico’s Hector Velazquez in the sixth round of their WBC international super featherweight title bout; Viloria wrested the WBC junior flyweight from Mexican Eric Ortiz with a first round stoppage, while Bautista halted Colombia’s Felix Flores Murillo in the third round of their bantamweight encounter at the Staples Center last Sept. 11.
A red carpet welcome befitting a visiting head of state was laid out for the Palace visitors with Palace employees waving miniature Philippine flags at the passageway leading to the hall.
"You have given Filipinos everywhere in the world new reason to hold their heads high. Because of your feats, the integrity of the Filipino has shone brighter. You have brought honor to our country and because of this, we, the Filipino nation, are extremely grateful," the President said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Lito Atienza yesterday said he is considering on "adopting as sons of Manila" Bautista and Viloria in return for the honor they brought to the country during their recent bouts.
Atienza earlier organized a motorcade for Bautista, Viloria and Pacquiao on the key streets of the city with the three boxers getting tremendous reception from boxing fans along the way.
At present, only Pacquiao has been recognized as an "adopted son of the City of Manila" but Atienza said he might bestow the same honor to the two other boxing champions.
"We will continue to follow their careers. We would be involved in their careers and we would give them moral support," he added.
He lauded the three winners for their contribution not only in the world of sports but building the confidence of the Filipino people amid the political and economic crises gripping the country.
He brought the fighters to the densely-populated areas of Tondo, Moriones, and Divisoria to give the Manila fans the opportunity to see and shake hands with their idols.
"It is very encouraging. They felt appreciated," Atienza said. — With report from Evelyn Macairan