Recognizing another milestone for Philippine sports on the international stage, Senator Bong Go has filed Senate Resolution No. 528, commending Filipino mixed martial arts champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio for successfully defending his ONE Strawweight Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) World Championship title.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go lauded Pacio’s remarkable performance during his title defense at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 10, where the Filipino champion submitted previously unbeaten Russian contender Mansur Malachiev in the opening round.
Pacio, a proud native of La Trinidad, Benguet, showcased exceptional composure, discipline, and technical mastery throughout the championship bout before sealing a dominant first-round submission victory to retain his world title.
“Ang kanyang dedikasyon, disiplina, at pagmamahal sa bayan ay tunay na nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa ating mga kababayan.”
“Ang tagumpay ni Joshua Pacio ay isa na namang patunay na kayang makipagsabayan at manaig ng atletang Pilipino sa pinakamataas na antas ng pandaigdigang kompetisyon. Ang kanyang dedikasyon, disiplina, at pagmamahal sa bayan ay tunay na nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa ating mga kababayan,” the veteran legislator said.
According to the seasoned lawmaker, Pacio’s successful title defense reflects not only his personal excellence but also the growing strength of Philippine mixed martial arts and the world-class caliber of Filipino athletes.
“Hindi naging madali ang laban sa isang undefeated na kalaban. Ngunit ipinakita ni Joshua ang kanyang husay, tibay ng loob, at determinasyon upang muling maiuwi ang tagumpay para sa ating bansa. Karapat-dapat lamang siyang kilalanin sa kanyang natatanging tagumpay,” the senator added.
Go reiterated his commitment to advancing policies and programs that strengthen Philippine sports and provide greater opportunities for Filipino athletes to excel.
“Kapag inalagaan at sinuportahan ang ating mga atleta, mas marami pa tayong makakamit na tagumpay sa iba’t ibang pandaigdigang kompetisyon.”
“Patuloy nating susuportahan ang ating mga atleta sa pamamagitan ng mga programang magpapalakas sa sports development sa bansa. Naniniwala tayo na kapag inalagaan at sinuportahan ang ating mga atleta, mas marami pa tayong makakamit na tagumpay sa iba’t ibang pandaigdigang kompetisyon,” he said.
Go was one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City. The law created a system that combines secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum for qualified student-athletes.
He also filed Senate Bill No. 171, or the proposed National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025, which seeks to establish regional NAS campuses to give more student-athletes outside Luzon access to training, education, and development opportunities closer to their communities.
Since assuming the chairpersonship of the Senate Committee on Sports in 2019, Go has overseen the committee during a period when Philippine athletes delivered major international results, including the country’s first Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games and a twin gold-medal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Congratulations, Joshua Pacio. Ipinagmamalaki ka ng sambayanang Pilipino. Maraming salamat sa iyong dedikasyon at sa karangalang muli mong iniuwi para sa ating bansa. Mabuhay ka at mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino!” he concluded.
