Now that Filipino champ Manny Pacquiao has proven the naysayers wrong, one congressman who wanted to stop Pacquiao's fight against de la Hoya even before it began says he's glad that the bout was allowed to continue.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez ate humble pie Monday but rejoiced with the rest of the Filipino people over Pacquiao's TKO victory over de la Hoya in the eight-round match.

Rodriguez had earlier urged the Games and Amusements Board to temporarily freeze Pacquiao’s boxing license to prevent the Filipino ring icon from fighting de la Hoya. GAB chairman Eric Buhain later admitted that he had asked the World Boxing Council to cancel the fight because he believed Pacquiao stood no chance against the Mexican.

President Arroyo later stepped in and urged lawmakers to leave the decision to Pacquiao. "A defeat does not diminish his glory or the honor he has won for our nation. He will always remain a modern-day hero for his courage and bold daring," said the President.

Rodriguez said he made the suggestion out of genuine concern for the Pambansang Kamao (the National Fist).

"I was only concerned over Pacquiao's health since he's considered a national treasure. As a boxing aficionado, it's hard to match a smaller, lighter player against a bigger, stronger fighter. It's a good thing my forecast didn't come true," the congressman told radio dzMM.

Despite his misgivings about the fight, Rodriguez said he made sure that his constituents watched the fight in specially set up video screens in Cagayan de Oro.

He also said he will support any resolution filed in the House of Representatives that will congratulate and honor Pacquiao for his victory.

Pacquiao is set to return to a hero's welcome in the Philippines later this week.