Press Release
February 28, 2011

Senate adopts resolutions commending Donaire

The Senate today has formally adopted two resolutions resolution filed by Senators Pia Cayetano and Lito Lapid commending Filipino boxing champion Nonito "The Flash" Donaire Jr. for defeating Mexican fighter Fernando Montiel during their fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 19, 2011.

According to the resolution, "the Philippine Senate has in several occasions paid tribute to outstanding Filipino athletes for their astonishing feat for bringing home pride and glory to the country and by becoming champions in international sporting competitions."

"The Senate commends Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire Jr. for successfully bagging the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization Bantamweight Crowns," Cayetano and Lapid said. Senators Cayetano and Lapid also noted Donaire's discipline and determination to win which, they believe, secured his victories, and said that "the supreme athlete serves as an inspiration and shining example for all Filipinos, especially the youth."

"The defeat is no ordinary one as Montiel is considered "one of the best fighters in the world, a tested veteran who is rated No. 7 on the ring's Top 10 pound-for-pound list and has lost only two close decisions in career," the senators stressed.

Donaire, 28, defeated Montiel with one powerful punch, gaining him a record of 26-1 with 18 Knock Outs. Last December, he out-boxed Ukrainian pugilist Wladimir Sidorenko giving the latter his first knockout loss in his career.

The Senate unanimously adopted both resolutions after Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago questioned the legality of the sport of boxing, saying that "pummeling each other promotes violence and reduces the sport to man's inhumanity to man," to which Cayetano replied that there are rules specifically imposed to prevent violence in sports.

Senate Resolution Nos. 391 and 387, co-sponsored by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, sought to congratulate Donaire for being an outstanding boxer and for "bringing honor and pride to the country."

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