Senate commends boxers, basketball players

The Senate adopted a resolution today commending three Filipino boxers for winning in Pinoy Pride 38, an international boxing competition, held at the StubHub Center in Carson, California on September 25, 2016.

Senator Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao, who authored Senate Resolution 166, said boxers Donnie Nietes, Mark Magsayo and Arthur Villanueva brought honor and prestige to the country when they dominated in the competition.

"They carried our flag with pride and honor as they faced heavyweight contenders. Donnie Nietes, Mark Magsayo and Arthur Villanueva deserve to be commended for their exemplary performance," Pacquiao said in the resolution.

Nietes defeated former world champion Edgar Sosa from Mexico in the flyweight division in a unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the match 120-108 in favor of the boxer.

Magsayo, on the other hand, maintained his undefeated record by winning against Mexico's Ramiro Robles, also in a unanimous decision. The 21-year-old Filipino boxer secured the match in his favor with the scorecard of 119-107, 118-108 and 120-106.

Villegas scored a knockout match against Juan Jimenez. He showcased his prowess and athletic precision by delivering a solid right cross, knocking out his opponent to the ground on the second round of the bout.

Meanwhile, the Senate also adopted Resolution 167, in consideration of Resolution 172, commending the members of Perlas Pilipinas for winning the gold in the recently concluded Southeast Asia Basketball Association Women's Championship held in Malacca City, Malayasia.

Pacquiao, who authored Resolution 167, said the female cage team made history through its victory by winning the championship. A similar resolution was filed by Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara.

"The victory was made against the host country, 77-73. Our very own athletes once again proved that Filipino talent is truly world-class," the resolution said.

"The Filipino athletes led by as high as 20 points in the game. The women's national team stood their ground to overcome the late uprising waged by their rival. They eventually broke away in the dying minutes of the last quarter to secure the tight win," the resolution added.