Filipino kickboxing, debate champs lauded in Estrada’s resolutions

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed two separate resolutions praising the Filipino kickboxing team and debaters who triumphed against other nations.

Estrada lodged Senate Resolutions No. 393 and 416, hailing the 14-man kickboxing team and the two debaters from Ateneo de Manila University, respectively.

“The Filipino fighters and warriors in the elite kickboxing competition embodied the unyielding courage, resilience, and indomitable spirit of the nation confronted with adversities and formidable challenges,” Estrada’s resolution read.

“Their successful outing and victory in the international arena brought immense pride, glory, and honor to the country, and inspiration to our fellowmen, hence, merit commendation from the Senate,” the senator added.

The Filipino kickboxing team reigned in the recent 2022 Asian Kickboxing Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

The kickboxers clinched four gold, one silver, and six bronze medals.

Estrada likewise commended David Demitri Africa and Tobi Leung, the first-ever Filipino debaters to win in the World Universities Debating Championship.

“Their momentous victory is proof of the Filipino students’ capacity to stand alongside the world’s best young speakers and thinkers,” the resolution stated.

“Their mastery of the art of persuasion, critical thinking, and creative formulation of ideas honed through years of dedication, study, and discipline, even at such a young age, are positive characteristics worthy of emulation, especially for our students,” he continued.

The duo won in the international debating competition held in Madrid, Spain.

Senators Manuel “Lito” Lapid and Risa Hontiveros likewise filed separate resolutions, congratulating the debaters.