• Malacanang congratulates boxers Donaire, Nietes for winning against contenders
• Malacanang reminds Filipinos to exercise caution during Lenten Season

“We would like to congratulate our Filipino boxers who have done so remarkably well and showed the resiliency and the athleticism of our Filipino athletes. It goes along the way of showing that we are of a world-class quality,” said Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

“The Filipino people take pride once more with the remarkable victory of Nonito Donaire, Jr. against Brazilian boxer, William Prado, and with the win of Donnie Nietes in defending his WBO (World Boxing Organization) junior flyweight championship,” he added.

Donaire beaten Brazilian boxer William Prado at the second round of their match for the IBF intercontinental junior featherweight title.

Referee Bruce McTavish stopped the fight at the 2:16 mark of the second round after Prado was cornered at the ropes and and was not able to defend himself from the Filipino Flash.

Meanwhile, Nietes retained his title with a technical knockout over Mexican Gilberto Parra at the ninth round of the WBO junior flyweight championship.

Parra received a straight right hand from Nietes that opened a cut on the former’s left eye in the ninth round, which caused referee Jack Reiss to stop the fight.

“Indeed, these two boxers along with so many Filipino boxers who train constantly, without tire, demonstrate the will and resilience that our people are known for,” Lacierda added. PND (ag)

“May we encourage and may we remind our motorists to exhibit safety as they drive. We also would like to remind common carriers of their responsibility to exercise extraordinary diligence in conveying our Filipino passengers to and from their points of destination,” said Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Lacierda noted that the Lent is a season of reflection and contemplation. It is also a time for Filipinos to be away from work and with their families back home in the provinces.

He added that concerned government agencies are on alert to ensure the safety of travelers.

“So, in all this, may we ask everyone—the Filipino motorists, the Filipino commuters, our respective and appropriate agencies, and all common carriers whether by sea, air, or land—to exhibit and to keep in mind the primacy of safety as we spend this Holy Week with our families,” said Lacierda. PND (ag)