DEPUTY Speaker Mikee Romero (1-Pacman Partylist) yesterday delivered on his promise to the Tokyo Olympics boxing medalists while making an appeal to one of them, Carlo Paalam, not to turn pro yet.
Romero led via Zoom the simple handover of checks to Nesthy Petecio, Eumir Marcial and Eumir Marcial at the AirAsia headquarters inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
In a ceremony aptly dubbed “Bagsik Ng Kamao,” Romero fulfilled his pledge of P2 million each to silver medalists Petecio and Paalam and P1 million to bronze winner Marcial.
“Nesthy, Carlo and Eumir brought immense pride and hope to the Filipino people amid these trying times due to the pandemic. They truly deserve these blessings,” said Romero.
“But please, your Olympic journey should not stop in the Tokyo Games, abot kamay na ninyo ang pangarap ninyong mag-uwi ng ginto.”
Edwin Galvez, CEO of one of Romero’s companies, and AirAsia executive Erick Arejola handed the checks to the Tokyo Games heroes.
Romero also stressed the significance of their victories to the Philippines, saying:
“They proved once again na kaya talaga ng mga Pinoy na makipagsabayan sa buong mundo pagdating sa boxing like what Manny Pacquiao and our other great boxers did. Iba ang bagsik ng mga kamao ng Pinoy!”
Two weeks ago, Romero personally handed a check for P3 million to Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s first Olympic gold medal winner.
Romero, who operates the electric cooperative in Zamboanga City, also promised that Marcial will have a lifetime free electricity.
Delighted, Marcial stood up and unleashed some combinations before thanking the former amateur basketball godfather.
Romero also appealed to Paalam not to turn professional yet, saying, “Bata ka pa at may Paris Olympics pa, baka dun mo masungkit ang ginto.”
“We are extremely proud of these sports heroes. Their achievements will surely serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Filipino boxers,” said Romero.
The sports patron’s handing of the rewards to the three fighters couldn’t have a better timing as they are bound to return to their respective hometowns.
“Saktong-sakto ito for them to celebrate their victories with their families,” said Romero, who owns the NorthPort Batang Pier team in the PBA.
