Solon wants Pacquiao's story taught in schools

MANILA, Philippines - The rags-to-riches story of People's Champ and Sarangani congressman Manny Pacquiao could soon be taught in grade schools all over the country based on the resolution of Pacquiao's colleague in the House of Representatives.

Bacolod City Rep. Anthony Golez Jr. filed House Resolution No. 2946, which seeks to express the unified support of the House of Representatives behind Pacquiao despite his recent loss to Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez.

House Resolution No. 2946 cited the humble beginnings of Pacquaio and his resilience and hard work in becoming a world renowned sports icon.

"The achievements of Honorable Manny Pacquiao brought the Philippines unprecedented honor and fame; he is a modern national hero and treasure. His discipline, resilience and hard work should be emulated by young Filipinos," the resolution read.

It also said the Department of Education should include Pacquiao's life story in the curriculum of grade school students "so that the virtues of hard work, discipline, resilience and respect will be instilled to young Filipinos."

"Humble in victory and gracious in defeat, [Pacquiao] is truly a pride of the Philippines. It is just proper that the House of Representatives express its unending support to the Honorable Manny Pacquiao; he is worthy to be included in the curriculum of grade school students for the honor and inspiration he has brought to our country."

A bloodied Juan Manuel Marquez rallied to knock out Pacquiao with one second left in the sixth round and win the fourth fight of their epic boxing rivalry last Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

The 39-year-old Marquez, who suffered a broken nose and possible concussion, dropped Pacquiao face first to the canvas, giving him his first victory over the Filipino superstar.

Pacquiao was eager to redeem himself after suffering a controversial defeat in his most recent fight to Tim Bradley. He was also tired of Marquez blaming his failure to win in their three previous fights on biased judging.

Marquez claims he won all three earlier fights -- although two were scored in favor of Pacquiao and one ended in a draw.

This time, four division champion Marquez left no doubt, showing he was willing to go toe-to-toe with Pacquiao even after getting knocked down in the fifth round.

Pacquiao dismissed talk of retirement and said he would like to fight Marquez again.

"I am going to rest and come back to fight. I would go for a fifth," he said. With Agence France-Presse