MANILA - Vice President Leni Robredo said she hopes that boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, will be inspired to get back up after his loss to Jeff Horn.
"Manny's loss today will be a disappointment to many Filipinos, particularly those loyal fans who have cheered him on and have been inspired by him throughout his career," Robredo said in a statement.
Robredo also likened Pacquiao's defeat to the condition of Filipinos, who, despite problems and calamities, refuse to be knocked down.
"But every loss is also an opportunity to get back up - this has been the story of Manny Pacquiao, as it has also been the story of millions of other Filipinos. Battered by poverty, by calamity, by prejudice, so many of our brothers and sisters have been knocked down, but continue to muster the will to get back up," she said.
The vice president, likewise, hopes Pacquiao will get inspiration from fellow Filipinos.
"They have always been a source of strength and inspiration to me, and in this hour of disappointment, I hope they will also be for Manny," Robredo said.
Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Provincial Crisis Management Committee spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong said Pacquiao is the epitome of "courage, resiliency and hope."
"What Manny Pacquiao represent (sic) is already beyond boxing. He is an epitome of courage, resiliency and hope - characteristics that made him an international icon and world renowned athlete," he said in a statement.
He also compared Pacquiao to that of the residents of Marawi City, who despite the current situation, remains hopeful.
The judges scored the fight 117-111, 115-113, 115-113 in favor of Horn after a bloody and bruising 12-round fight in front of thousands of fans at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.