Office of the Vice President
2 July 2017
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. 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. 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.