MANILA -- The colleagues of Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao in the House of Representatives are confident the Sarangani lawmakers will triumph over undefeated American Chris Algieri in Macau on Sunday.
House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said that Pacquiao's speed, stamina, power, experience, mental strength and determination will be a big factor but reminded the eight-division world champion not to be over confident.
Isabela Representative Rodolfo Albano III said there is no doubt that Pacquiao will once again emerge the winner in the boxing fight due to his experience, rigid training, a well-prepared plan, and strong determination.
"Algieri may be younger and taller but Manny is stronger, faster and wiser. Even Manny's past opponents attest to his greater powers. To Manny, we wish you the best and the whole nation once again will be united in praying for your safety and victory. We are proud of you," said Albano.
House Deputy Speaker Giorgidi Aggabao said described Pacquiao as "very calculating and aggressive."
"He is a very wise fighter. He analyzes well his opponent, thus he knows when and how to attack, and eventually subdue his foe using his dominant punches," the lawmaker from Isabela said.
Aggabao added the Filipino nation would again be united in cheering and praying for Pacquiao whose resilience and determination are worth emulating.
"We wish Manny good luck, and we are confident about his victory over a younger opponent. Manny has more experience, speed and stamina. We pray for his personal safety and his victory for our entire nation," said Aggabao.
For his part, Romblon Representative Eleandro Jesus Madrona expressed confidence that a 39th knockout victory for the Filipino boxing icon is highly possible.
"Algieri's overconfidence is a big mistake because Manny will surely defeat him. Manny has never underestimated any of his opponents, be his rival younger, older, taller or bigger than him. He always takes his rigid training seriously. No wonder his speed and stamina has been unmatched over the years. A knockout victory is very possible," said Madrona.
Abakada party-list Representative Jonathan Dela Cruz also wished Pacquiao the best during his fight with Algieri.
"I can only wish Representative Pacquiao good luck. I am sure his athleticity and spirituality will carry him to victory. He deserves our best wishes. The entire nation will be praying for his victory," said dela Cruz.
Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo said Pacquiao's courage, strength and discipline are the key factors to his expected victory.
"Manny is very disciplined in sticking to his training regimen. And when he is on the boxing ring, he executes well the game plan against his opponent. His bravery is also noteworthy, as he courageously confronts his opponents with his powerful punches. He has all what it takes to overpower Algieri," said Romulo.
ACT-CIS party-list Representative Samuel Pagdilao (Party-list, ACT CIS) said Pacquiao is not just an iconic boxing champ but a symbol of unity as well. He noted that Pacquiao's past bouts had proven this as Filipinos joined in prayers and cheers to support him regardless of their religious, political or social status.
"We do that once more as he now faces a younger opponent and we are confident that with God's grace, this bout will yet be another victory for Manny and the Filipino people," said Pagdilao. (Sunnex)