‘Pacman’ named ‘Champion for Life’

Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will have the distinction of being the first recipient of the Order of Lakandula with the rank of "Champion for Life," as President Arroyo directed in her Executive Order No. 540.

Mrs. Arroyo personally awarded yesterday the Order of Lakandula medallion and plaque of appreciation to Pacquiao in a simple ceremony at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall during Pacquiao’s courtesy call.

"Congratulations and thank you, Manny, that’s for you," Mrs. Arroyo smilingly told Pacquiao after giving him a meat pie resembling a boxing glove as a token for defeating Mexican challenger Oscar Larios on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The citation said the order was in recognition of Pacquiao’s outstanding achievements in international boxing that brought "courage, pride and unity to the Filipino people."

The Order of Lakandula is an order of political and civic merit in memory of the dedication to the responsibilities of leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage and resolve in the service of one’s people of Lakandula, a pre-Spanish era ruler of Manila.

Palace officials said EO 540 was signed last June 13 so it had nothing to do with Pacquiao’s victory against Larios. It amended EO 236 of 2003 that established the honor.

Mrs. Arroyo said in her EO that "there are no specific honors for champions of sports, beauty and similar fields of competition and achievement that foster extraordinary national pride and inspiration toward excellence."

The Order, she said, already has the rank of Pinuno (Leader).

"The rank of Champion for Life (Kampeon Habang Buhay) shall be conferred upon an individual who has attained an outstanding achievement in an international event in sports, beauty and similar fields of competition and achievement that foster extraordinary national pride and inspiration toward excellence," Mrs. Arroyo said in her EO.