Nathanielsz declared Persona non-grata in the Philippines?

You know your country's worship of a fighter has gotten out of hand when questioning his abilities inside the ring considered a treasonous offense (especially after spending years praising him in countless articles). smh:thumbsdow MANILA, Philippines — A neophyte congressman has called on the House of Representatives to declare “persona non grata” veteran broadcast sports commentator Ronnie Nathanielz for criticizing Filipino boxing icon and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao for his controversial fight with Mexican challenger, Juan Miguel Marquez. Rep. Reynaldo Umali (LP, Mindoro Oriental) filed House Resolution No. 1954 a few days after Pacquiao himself lashed back at the sports analyst whom the world boxing champion described as a mere “adopted” Filipino. Aside from congressional censure, Nathanielz also deserves public disapproval, said Umali. “It is to the best interest of the public to boycott all the TV shows, appearances and events participated in by Mr. Nathanielz,” Umali stated. In HR 1954 which Umali filed Monday, the administration lawmaker also noted that Nathanielz was a Sri Lankan who was granted Filipino citizenship through a presidential decree issued in the 1970’s by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The highly-respected sports commentator is believed to be the only alien to receive the distinction of being declared citizen through an executive action. “Mr. Ronnie Nathanielz deserves to be censured and declared as ‘PERSONA NON GRATA’ until such time that he has apologized to the entire Filipino nation and conduct himself in a manner worthy of a citizen of the Republic the Philippines,” explained Umali in the resolution. Earlier, Pacquiao’s House colleagues defended him from attacks by both Mexican and Filipino sports media. Reps. Amado Bagatsing (Lakas-Kampi, Manila); Ben Evardone (LP, Eastern Samar); Bernadette Herrera-Dy (Bagong Henerasyon) and Alfredo Benitez (NPC, Negros Occidental) lamented that many of Pacquiao’s critics failed to consider the unanimous decision of international judges that ruled him winner over Marquez.

Comments (8)

Well, he is an elected official, therefore, he represents his constituents. And as the article mentions, several other congressman have spoken out against the critics as well. It's also troubling that congressman Pacquiao himself stated that Nathanaliesz is not a "true" Filipino because he has no Filipino blood, therefore, his lack of patriotism should come as no surprise. smh again Elected official doesn't meanhe represents all Filipinos. When a US congressman said he wants to bomb Iran, does that mean he represent the whole Americans.

14y ago

paulf

The Philippines be trollin'

14y ago

TracianWarrior

this is politics, should disscusted here in boxing forum. admins of this forum shouldnt allowed this topic and ban the person who started this sh*t

14y ago

Leohappy

pactards strike again. :lol1:

14y ago

John_Barron

what damaging words exactly did nathanielsz say besides claiming that marquez won? in any case, this is completely pathetic. childish and petty. lmao

14y ago

DempseyRoll

Well, he is an elected official, therefore, he represents his constituents. And as the article mentions, several other congressman have spoken out against the critics as well. It's also troubling that congressman Pacquiao himself stated that Nathanaliesz is not a "true" Filipino because he has no Filipino blood, therefore, his lack of patriotism should come as no surprise. smh again philippines sounds just like japan then. hell, it can be said to any big asian country. i dunno, i guess its an asian thing. no surprise really.

14y ago

CHOWWOKKA

Haaaahaaaahaaaa

14y ago

elieseckbach

so one idiot congressman represent the philippines? it's like saying mayweather being a douche represent black people. or dela hoya wearing fishnet represent latino people. this idiot congressman is just kissing pacquiao a.ss.. stop saying he represent philippines... pacquiao LOST in the congress on his 1st try.. he just won coz he moved his residence to a small province and run again.. Well, he is an elected official, therefore, he represents his constituents. And as the article mentions, several other congressman have spoken out against the critics as well. It's also troubling that congressman Pacquiao himself stated that Nathanaliesz is not a "true" Filipino because he has no Filipino blood, therefore, his lack of patriotism should come as no surprise. smh again

14y ago