I join Filipinos from every corner of the Philippines and the world over in congratulating Manny Pacquiao on his very convincing victory. Manny’s triumph exemplifies the indomitable fighting spirit of the Filipino not just in the field of sports but also in every field of struggle for excellence.

May this serve as an inspiration and constant reminder to all our countrymen that the Filipino can be the best in any endeavor when he puts his heart into it.

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Malacaņang lamented today the decision of some members of the opposition to snub the Council of State meeting on Tuesday (Jan. 24) but said the rare gathering of national leaders will push through "for the national interest."

"It is unfortunate that some members of the political opposition have turned down the offer to join the Council of State although we respect the decision of those who have chosen not to attend," Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said in his weekly column, The View From the Palace, which comes out Monday (Jan. 23).

Bunye, who is also concurrent presidential spokesperson, said opposition members will miss a chance to meet with other leaders of the country and, together, discuss the urgent issues of common interest to the people.

The Council of State meeting offers a "venue where all political leaders will be given a chance to respond to the most pressing concerns of our people where a strong consensus for economic takeoff, social equity and political renewal will be forged," Bunye pointed out.

But he added that despite the non-attendance of some opposition stalwarts, the council meeting will push through as scheduled.

"Be that as it may, the meeting will push through for the national interest and copies of the highlights will be sent to those who cannot come," Bunye said.

The latest to decline the invitation to the council meeting was Senate President Franklin Drilon who announced his decision shortly after the testimonial luncheon for former Senate President Jovito Salonga during the celebration of the 60^th anniversary of the Liberal Party (LP).

Earlier, former President Corazon Aquino also spurned Malacaņang’s invitation to the meeting.

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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led Sunday the national jubilation of the Filipino people over the sensational knockout victory of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao over three-time Mexican champion Erik "El Terible" Morales in their super-featherweight rematch at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada early this afternoon (Manila time).

Speaking via cellular phone, the President congratulated Pacquiao on his sensational win minutes after the Filipino boxing legend demolished the Mexican favorite.

Pacquiao had just conquered Morales in the 10^th of their scheduled 12 round match and was being interviewed by a reporter when First Gentleman, Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo handed Pacquiao his cellular phone, saying the President wanted to personally congratulate him on his victory.

"It’s the President," the First Gentleman informed Pacquiao. A sports patron and an avid supporter of the Filipino boxing hero, Atty. Arroyo described the Pacquiao-Morales rematch as the "greatest fight I have ever seen."

When Pacquiao took the phone from Atty. Arroyo, a jubilant President excitedly expressed her congratulations to the champ whose triumph she said, "exemplifies the indomitable fighting spirit of the Filipino."

Pacquiao thanked the President for "your prayers and the prayers of all Filipinos" for his victory.

In a statement released by the Palace earlier, the President said Pacquiao served as an example that Filipinos can compete at the international level.

"May this serve as an inspiration and constant remainder to all our countrymen that the Filipino can be the best in any endeavor when he puts his heart to it," she said.

"I join Filipinos from every corner of the Philippines and the world over in congratulating Manny Pacquiao on his very convincing victory," the President said.

Pacquiao stopped Morales in the 10th round of their super featherweight fight in the main event of "The Battle" late Saturday night (early Sunday afternoon in Manila).

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