Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sponsored a Senate resolution commending Filipino boxer Marlon Tapales for winning the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation World Super Bantamweight titles in San Antonio, Texas in the United States on 8 April.
Senate Resolution No. 87 filed by Go and adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, 10 May, commends and congratulates the athlete for his dedication, hard work, and exemplary performance. In his sponsorship speech, Go highlighted Marlon’s hard work and dedication to his craft which have led to his recent win, adding that he is a source of pride and inspiration for all Filipinos.
“Your achievement is not just a victory for you but for all of us who have supported you along the way. We look forward to seeing your continued success in the years to come. Patuloy nating itaas ang bandera ng Pilipinas sa buong mundo,” Go said.
“Ngayon yatang December, may laban na naman po si Marlon. Wishing you good luck, at sana’y manalo ka at tuloy-tuloy pa ang iyong tagumpay,” he added.
Tapales, also known as “The Nightmare,” managed to upset then-undefeated champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev and become the unified super bantamweight champion. The match ended in Tapales winning the WBA and IBF belts through a split decision after two judges scored the match 115-113 in favor of Tapales while the third judge scored a lopsided 118-110 in favor of Akhmadaliev.
“The Mindanaoan boxer won via split decision against the unbeaten Uzbek boxer. His remarkable performance in the boxing ring has made his country proud, tayo po,” said Go.
Go recounted Marlon’s journey to success, which started in a local gym in Lanao del Norte, where his natural talent for the sport was recognized.
“He won several amateur tournaments and caught the attention of scouts who saw his potential. Soon enough, Marlon was offered the opportunity to turn professional and pursue his dream of becoming a world-class boxer,” he said.
Tapales turned professional in 2009 and quickly made a name for himself in the local boxing scene. His dedication paid off in 2016 when he won the WBO Bantamweight World Title, becoming the first boxer from Lanao del Norte to win a world title.
“Marlon’s humble beginnings instilled in him a strong work ethic and an unrelenting determination to succeed. Even if he knew that he had to work twice as hard as his opponents, he did so with unwavering focus and commitment,” said Go.
“His dedication paid off and, today, Marlon Tapales is a world-renowned boxer, celebrated for his remarkable achievements in the sport. He has proven himself to be an excellent athlete, and his performance in the ring has left his opponents in awe,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, Go emphasized that Marlon’s win is not only a personal triumph but also a victory for all Filipinos. He expressed his pride and honor for Marlon’s achievement, acknowledging that it is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
“On behalf of all those who have watched you fight and all those who know of your achievements, I offer my warmest congratulations,” he concluded.
A staunch advocate of grassroots sports development, Go has successfully authored and co-sponsored a bill in the Senate which became Republic Act No. 11470 in 2020. The Act mandated the establishment of the National Academy of Sports System and Main Campus in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.
The NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports.
The lawmaker also filed Senate Bill No. 423 or the proposed Philippine National Games Act of 2022. The proposed measure aims to institutionalize “a truly comprehensive national grassroots sports program, which will harness the vast potential of the citizenry in discovering and developing champion athletes who could excel in international sports competition, thus giving the country pride and international goodwill and addressing the long-standing problems of Philippine sports in general.”
