The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, has paid tribute to 1996 Atlanta Olympics boxing silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco Jr. for his valuable contributions to the Philippine boxing community.
Onyok was awarded with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition – 25 years after he copped the silver medal – during a luncheon hosted by Speaker Velasco in honor of 2020 Tokyo Olympic medalists Hidilyn Diaz, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial.
Velasco, in his speech Tuesday, recognized Onyok’s inspirational win that paved the way for future Filipino athletes in bringing pride and glory to the country.
The House chief said: “Facing world-class competition, he gave us a silver medal in boxing during the 1996 Summer Olympics. Sir Onyok, many thanks for honoring our invitation to be here. Long live 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 Speaker Velasco.
