Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri filed a proposed Senate resolution Monday commending the victorious Manny Pacquiao by declaring the fighter as the “Greatest Filipino Boxer of Our Time”.

Zubiri said he hopes that proposed Senate Resolution No. 792 would be approved by Tuesday in time for Pacquiao’s expected arrival in Manila the next day.

Zubiri said the resolution will serve as the Senate’s “gift” to Pacquiao for his magnificent win over 10-time world boxing champion Oscar de la Hoya, whom the Filipino fighter defeated in eight rounds.

The senator also said that he already suggested to President Arroyo to appoint Pacquiao as a peace envoy to Mindanao.

Zubiri believes the Filipino boxing champion could convince Moro rebels to drop their arms since he is an idol to Filipino Muslims and Christians alike.

A reminder to Pacquiao
Meanwhile, the senator said that although he does not oppose Pacquiao’s plans to again try his hand in politics, he said the boxer should be warned against certain people who wanted to use him for personal interests.

Zubiri said Pacquiao would “financially” attract certain personalities that will go after his money.

Earlier, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez admitted being glad that Pacquiao was allowed to fight de la Hoya despite his earlier stance to stop the bout.

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. With a report of Maricar Bautista, ABS-CBN News