The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, paid tribute to 1996 Atlanta Olympics boxing silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco Jr. and his valuable contributions to the Philippine boxing community.
Onyok was awarded with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition during a luncheon hosted by Speaker Velasco in honor of 2020 Tokyo Olympic medalists Hidilyn Diaz, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial.
“Onyok’s inspirational win paved the way for future Filipino athletes in bringing pride and glory to the country.”
Velasco, in his speech, 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 House chief said.
“Facing world-class competition, he gave us a silver medal in boxing during the 1996 Summer Olympics.”
The veteran legislator 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.
Aside from a Congressional Certificate of Recognition, Onyok also received cash incentives from the contributions of House members in the “pass the hat” drive initiated by Velasco.
