• Palace lauds Manny Pacquiao despite losing to Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
• Palace remains hopeful Congress will enact the Bangsamoro Basic Law

“Filipinos can hold their heads up high: our national pride, Congressman Manny Pacquiao, did us all proud when he stood his ground against one of the best boxers of our time, Floyd Mayweather,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.

Coloma also reiterated President Benigno Aquino III’s thanks to Pacquiao “for serving as an inspiration to every Filipino in overcoming the daily challenges in the pursuit of a better life and future.”

“We will continue to be proud that we have a People’s Champ in Manny Pacquiao who exemplifies skill, strength and courage. He is a worthy exemplar that the Filipino is able to compete in the global arena — for as long as there is a level playing field,”

“Hopefully, Manny may now be able to devote more time with his family and that he is able to maintain good health that will serve him in good stead in all his future endeavors,” Coloma addded.

Mayweather had beaten Pacquiao after 12 rounds of boxing at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. All three judges were unanimous in giving Mayweather higher points with the score of: 118-110, 116-112, 116-112.

The unbeaten Mayweather now have a record of 48 wins, while Pacquiao now had 57 wins and six losses.

The fight is an unification of the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council, and World Boxing Organization Welterweight belt. PND (ag)

“Umaasa po ang ating pamahalaan sa pangunguna ng Pangulo na bibigyang daan o aaprubahan ng magkabilang sangay ng lehislatura—ang Camara de Representantes at ang Senado—ang inihain na draft Bangsamoro Basic Law,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in an interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

“Dahil ito po ay magsisilbing susi sa pagpapatuloy at buong kaganapan ng itinataguyod po nating prosesong pangkapayapaan na magdudulot ng maraming benepisyo at pangmatagalang pag-unlad at pagbuti ng kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan sa Kamindanawan,” he added.

Coloma said that the Palace has high expectations that Congress will listen to the emerging public sentiment that favors the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

When asked what if the lawmakers amend some provisions in the BBL, Coloma said they will respect it as it is part the legislative process.

“Ang panawagan lang po ng Pangulo ay panatilihin ang buod at sustansya ng draft BBL at huwag naman po magpasa ng isang watered down version. Pero kinikilala po natin ang karapatan ng ating mga mambabatas na magsulong ng mga kinakailangang amyenda, kung sa inaakala nila na ito ay makakapagpabuti pa sa batas na kanilang ipapasa, at tungkulin naman po nila iyon,” said Coloma.

On September 10, 2014, the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, now House Bill No. 4994, was submitted to Congress during ceremonies held in Malacañang Palace.

The Senate and the House of Representatives are both conducting their respective consultations and inquiries regarding the Bangsamoro Basic Law. PND (ag)