Philippines' top officials honor Hidilyn Diaz for country's first Olympic gold

Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz received countless messages of congratulations from the country's top officials shortly after she won the Philippines' first ever gold medal in the Olympic games.

The Philippines first competed in the Olympics almost a century ago in 1924.

“Congratulations, Hidilyn. The entire Filipino nation is proud of you,” President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement.

Vice President Leni Robredo on Facebook adverted to Diaz's humble beginnings. 

"Isang malaking inspirasyon si Hidilyn. Una ko siyang nakilala sa Istorya ng Pag-asa noong 2016.

Ang kuwento niya, galing siya sa isang mahirap na pamilya sa Zamboanga. Mahirap sila ngunit, bata palang, gusto niya nang maging mahusay sa isang bagay," Robredo said.

"Ngayong gabi, nakamit niya ang pinakaminimithi at pinakaunang Olympic Gold Medal para sa ating bansa," she added.

Diaz finished with a total score 224 kg, lifting 97 in the snatch and 127 in the clean & jerk to outduel China's Liao Qiuyun for the gold, at the women's 55-kg weightlifting event of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, a bowler who represented the country abroad several times, said, “First time our national anthem is heard in the Olympics! Congratulations to all. Thank you Hidylin."

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said Diaz bought national honor, pride, and good news to the country at a time that it is needed the most.

“And more than lifting the nation on her shoulders and beating a field that included China's pride, Hidilyn has become a unifying and rallying point for us Filipinos, to carry the weight of the humongous problems we face,” he said.

Senator Grace Poe also expressed pride that the first Olympic gold medal was won by a woman. “Congratulations Hidilyn Diaz! The whole country is so proud of you!”

“Tonight, Hidilyn etched her name in our country's sporting history. She ended our Olympic gold medal drought, and set a new Olympic record,” Senator Joel Villanueva said in a separate statement.

“Lupang Hinirang is played on the world stage once more, and we cannot help but beam with pride. Maraming salamat sa karangalan, Hidilyn. Mabuhay ka!” he added.

Diaz’s win will also serve as an inspiration to all, according to Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.

“As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and on behalf of the Filipino people, thank you for giving us hope and bringing pride once more to our beloved country.  Mabuhay ka, Hidilyn Diaz, at lahat ng mga atletang Pilipino!” he said.

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, Diaz called Diaz "a national treasure."

“Hidilyn’s victory showcased the spirit of the Filipino to persevere against all odds. She displayed the grit and determination that our nation needs right now to be able to succeed in the global fight against COVID-19,” Romualdez said.

“I hope Hidilyn's golden feat of historic proportions will inspire our other Filipino Olympians still in contention. May they bring home more Olympic Golds and more Olympic medals,” Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero said.

Panelo joins jubilation

In Malacañang, presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo sent congratulations to Diaz, whom he previously linked to an ouster plot against President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Her feat makes us Filipinos proud. Her getting the gold is a testament to the Filipino race’s talent and indefatigable spirit," Panelo said in a statement Tuesday.

"It serves as an inspiration to all Filipino athletes that getting gold in the Olympics is no longer a dream but a reality. Congratulations, Hidilyn Diaz," he added.

Panelo linked Diaz to a supposed ouster plot against Duterte in May 2019 through a matrix. Diaz, for her part, denied the accusation.

Panelo ultimately cleared Diaz and blamed the media for "faulty analysis." He issued the clarification after Diaz, as well as athlete-turned-television host Gretchen Ho, who was likewise linked to the plot, questioned their inclusion in the matrix. —with Llanesca T. Panti/NB/KBK, GMA News