Senate Medal of Excellence Proposed for Boxer Nesthy Petecio

MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has proposed awarding a Senate Medal of Excellence to Nesthy Petecio, recognizing her as the first Filipina boxer to win an Olympic medal. The proposal was formalized on Thursday through Senate Resolution No. 1122, which seeks to honor Petecio for her outstanding contributions to Philippine sports.

According to Philippines News Agency, Petecio’s achievements are a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence, encapsulated by her personal mantra, “walang hinto hangga’t walang ginto” (no stopping while there’s no gold). Petecio has been a competitive boxer since 2007, and her accomplishments have solidified her place in the annals of Philippine boxing history alongside Olympic medalists such as Jose Villanueva, Anthony Villanueva, Leopoldo Serantes, Roel Velasco, and Mansueto Velasco Jr.

Petecio’s illustrious career includes multiple accolades, such as the AIBA Women’s Boxing World Championship title, three Asian championship medals, and two Southeast Asian Games championships. Her recent bronze medal in Paris, coupled with her silver in Tokyo, positions her among an elite group of Filipino athletes who have secured two Olympic medals.

In addition to Petecio, senators are also considering whether to award a Senate Medal of Excellence to World No. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who narrowly missed securing a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.