Manila likens Manny Pacquiao's win to bloody drugs war

The Philippine presidency yesterday hailed the latest victory of boxing idol Manny Pacquiao (below) , comparing his resolve to its own bloody and controversial war on drugs

Manny Pacquiao

Manila: The Philippine presidency yesterday hailed the latest victory of boxing idol Manny Pacquiao comparing his resolve to its own bloody and controversial war on drugs.

Pacquiao, 37, reclaimed the World Boxing Organization welterweight title for the third time with a unanimous decision victory over former champion Jesse Vargas in a comeback fight in Las Vegas.

A ring girl signals the beginning of WBO welterweight fight between Manny Pacquiao and Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images

As with previous Pacquiao fights, the match was broadcast on large screens in public plazas and malls so the public could see their hero in action.

"The courage and grit displayed by our Filipino boxers in Las Vegas are the same qualities we must demonstrate as a nation to rid society of drugs, criminality and corruption," a palace statement said.

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