PRESIDENT Arroyo said yesterday Pacquiao's victory over Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez brought "immense glory to the flag and Filipino people."

She said Pacquiao mirrors "the champ within" every Filipino, whether in the Philippines or abroad.

"Once more, he has inspired us with his big fighting heart, his determination and grit. He is truly one of our nation's heroes who can unite us even in times of divisiveness. I join the Filipino people in savoring this moment of sweet victory and national unity prompted by the courage, discipline and fighting heart of our boxing hero, Manny Pacquiao," she said.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano said "due recognition" awaits Pacquiao, an Army reservist.

Thousands of officers and enlisted personnel watched the fight on live telecast at the Army gym in Fort Bonifacio. Yano watched the fight from Baguio City.

Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Army spokesman, said the Army is still determining what type of recognition would be given to Pacquiao but a promotion is unlikely. He said Pacquiao can be promoted to second lieutenant only if he gets a college degree.

Pacquiao was promoted to the rank of master sergeant after he won against another Mexican boxer, Marco Antonio Barrera, last year.

The militant groups Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas congratulated Pacquiao but cautioned him against allowing himself to be used by Arroyo who they said is "desperate" to gain popularity.

Renato Reyes, Bayan secretary general, said while Pacquiao is a unifying factor, he was not sure "if he can be an agent of political change."

Rafael Mariano, KMP chairman, advised Arroyo to emulate Pacquiao's fighting, saying if she is punched with allegations of corruption, "she should stop skirting corruption issues and face them head on as what Manny did with his match." - Jocelyn Montemayor, Victor Reyes, and Job Realubit