Pacquiao donates WBO welterweight belt to the Senate

Senator Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday donated to the Senate the WBO welterweight belt he won in his boxing match against Jessie Vargas. 

“To manifest my heartfelt thanksgiving, I would like to donate my WBO welterweight belt to the Senate of the Philippines. The honor does not belong to me alone but to every Filipino,” Pacquiao said. 

“May it serve as an inspiration for everyone to pursue excellence and to continue fighting for our nation’s sovereignty,” Pacquiao said. 

Pacquiao made the statement after the Senate adopted a resolution commending the eight-division world champion for defeating Vargas in Las Vegas, Nevada over the weekend. 

Pacquiao dedicated his “comeback” match to his boxing fans. 

“Bakas pa ang mga pasa sa aking mukha subalit hindi ko ito alintana mapasaya lang at makatulong sa ating mga kababayan at makapagbigay ng karangalan sa ating bayan,” he said. 

“Boxing is my passion. I come fully alive whenever I am in the ring. But i have a greater passion; serving my country. Just like you, Mr. [Senate] President, my heartbeat is for my fellowmen,” Pacquiao said. 

Meanwhile, in an interview with reporters, Pacquiao was mum on a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr., who was among those who watched his fight against Vargas. 

“Nanood nga si Floyd, inimbitahan natin sya pumunta naman…Di kami  nag-usap after ng fight,” Pacquiao said. — Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez/RSJ, GMA News