Solons give boxer Onyok ‘overdue’ recognition
THE House of Representatives, led by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, paid tribute to 1996 Atlanta Olympics silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco Jr. for his valuable contribution to the Philippine sports, particularly in boxing.
Velasco received the Congressional Certificate of Recognition from the House of Representatives.
In his speech, Speaker Velasco recognized Onyok’s inspirational win that paved the way for future Filipino athletes in bringing pride and glory to the country.
“Bago dumating ang pandemya, bago ang ating paglahok sa 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, 25 years ago, binigyan ng dangal at ibinalik ng isang Mansueto ‘Onyok’ Velasco Jr. ang respeto ng mundo sa bansang Pilipinas sa ginanap na 1996 Summer Olympics,” the Speaker said.
The House chief added: “Facing world-class competition, he gave us a silver medal in boxing during the 1996 Summer Olympics. Sir Onyok, maraming salamat po sa inyong pagbibigay parangal sa aming paanyaya na kayo’y makapunta dito sa House of Representatives. Mabuhay ka Sir Onyok!”
Onyok fought in a controversial bout against Bulgaria’s Daniel Petrov Bojilov for the light-flyweight gold medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Many experts believe that Velasco was robbed of what would have been the country’s first gold medal, as Bulgaria won the judges’ favor in that fight.
The plenary session on Tuesday was dedicated to the Filipino athletes who brought home pride and honor for the country after their success in the recently-concluded Tokyo Olympics.
Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz was conferred with the Congressional Medal of Excellence for being the first Filipino to win a gold medal in the Olympics. This award is given exclusively to Filipino athletes who have won a gold medal in the Olympics.
Olympic silver medalists Nethy Petecio and Carlos Paalam and bronze medalist Eumir Marcial were awarded the Congressional Medal of Distinction, which is given to Filipino achievers in sports, business, medicine, science and other fields.
According to the Speaker, the “determination and fighting spirit” of these exceptional Filipino Olympians “have inspired countless Filipinos during these trying times.”
“You gave us hope. You gave us something to dream about. And in those shining moments of triumph, you have all made our kababayans young and old, residing here or abroad, extremely proud to be called Filipinos,” he added.
