MALACANANG and Vice President Jejomar Binay congratulated on Sunday Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire Jr. for winning the World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight title over South African Simpiwe Vetyeka.

“Kaisa po tayo ng buong sambayanan sa pagdiriwang at pagtanghal sa tagumpay ni Nonito Donaire at sa kanyang pagkamit ng bagong kampeonato sa larangan ng boxing,” said Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

“Makikita po natin kay ‘The Flash’ ang giting at husay ng Pilipinong atleta na sumasalamin din sa tatag ng kalooban ng mga Pilipino na lampasan ang mga hamon at mga adbersidad sa buhay,” he added.

Binay admired Donaire's sportsmanship and "sense of fairness," hoping that his latest victory will serve as yet another inspiration to all Filipino athletes.

The fight held in Macau on Saturday night ended with a technical decision after Donaire sustained a cut above his left eye due to a head butt during the first round.

The three judges scored all 49–46 in favor of Donaire, who is now a five-division champion. (SDR/Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)