CO-SPONSORSHIP REMARKS ***inserted into the records***
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
Proposed Senate Resolution No. 143
Congratulating and commending the Philippine Men’s National Volleyball Team, Alas Pilipinas, for bringing pride and honor to the Philippines by historically ranking 19th in performance out of 32 teams in the final standings of the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Men’s World Championships 2025
Mr. President, this representation joins the nation in celebrating the historic achievements and gallant stand of the Philippine Men’s National Volleyball Team, Alas Pilipinas, in the recently concluded FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
Sa unang pagkakataong Pilipinas ang nag-host ng FIVB World Championships, ipinakita ng ating mga atleta sa buong mundo ang puso at dedikasyon nating mga Pilipino. While the other teams may have the height and power advantage, the Filipino players matched them with speed, resilience, and heart. Nariyan din po ang napaka-init na suporta ng ating mga kababayan na nagbigay ng kumpiyansa at lakas ng loob sa ating mga manlalaro.
Our men’s national volleyball team secured a milestone victory for the country with a first-ever victory in the world championships, stunning world’s number 21 Egypt, hence demonstrating the world-class caliber comparable to the more experienced and clear physical advantages of their counterparts.
Ranked 88 coming into the tournament and perhaps the lowest-ranking in all 32 competing teams, Alas Pilipinas showed immense potential, grit, superlative talent and teamwork in their pool matches against Tunisia, an 11-time African champion; Egypt; and Iran, which is a three-time Asian Games titleholder, against whom we narrowly and painfully missed the chance to advance to the Round of 16. Panalo na, nag-celebrate na ang lahat, nasilat pa.
Nonetheless, the nation is very proud of all of you, and what you have shown to the world stage.
By the end of the tournament, Alas Pilipinas ranked 19th overall, on par with powerhouse and Olympic medalist teams from Brazil, France, Cuba, Germany and Japan. In addition, our players Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, Josh Ybanez, and Joshua Retamar were named as among the top performers – Best Attacker, Best Receiver, Best Setter, and Best Digger – in the preliminary round.
Congratulations are also in order for the entire roster, coach Angiolino Frigoni, and the support staff and personnel behind this historic success.
May I take this opportunity to congratulate the organizers for also making history, as the final bout between Italy and Bulgaria became the highest attended World Championship match with an astounding 16,429 spectators.
If our distinguished Minority Leader will allow, this representation respectfully asks to become co-author of this resolution. Thank you, Mr. President.
Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino!