Palace, VP Binay congratulate Donaire for win vs Arce

December 16, 2012 1:11pm

Malacañang on Sunday welcomed the knockout victory of Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. over Jorge “Travieso” Arce, saying it was a much-needed break not just for sports fans but for Filipinos as well.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Donaire’s victory came amid the crushing knockout defeat of boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez one week ago.

“It’s a welcome victory not just for Filipino sports fans but for all Filipinos,” Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.

She also noted Donaire’s win was also a welcome break from demoralizing defeat of the Philippine “Azkals” football team from the Suzuki Cup.

Also, she noted Filipinos are still reeling from the effects of Tropical Cyclone Pablo (Bopha), which as of Sunday morning had left more than 1,000 people dead.

“At least sana mapasaya ng panalong ito ang kababayang nagkaroon ng low morale (We hope this can lift the spirits of our people from recent morale-crushing developments),” she said.

Meanwhile, Vice President Jejomar Binay also congratulated Donaire on his win.

“Nonito displayed admirable skill, discipline, strength and courage. He will bring pride to us for many years to come,” his spokesman Joey Salgado said.

On Sunday, Donaire finished off Arce in the third round, improving his record to 31-1-0. Arce will retire after 70 professional bouts with the record of 61-7-2, with 46 knockouts. — LBG, GMA News