MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
[ MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 99, September 23, 2025 ]
DIRECTING ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES TO SUPPORT THE CELEBRATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF "THRILLA IN MANILA"
WHEREAS, Section 17, Article II of the Constitution declares it a policy of the State to give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development.
WHEREAS, Section 19, Article XIV of the Constitution provides that the State shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry;
WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 6847 or the "Philippine Sports Commission Act" mandates the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to provide leadership, formulate policies, and set the priorities and directions for all national sports promotion and development, including collaborations with other government agencies;
WHEREAS, on 1 October 1975, the Philippines hosted the world heavyweight boxing champions match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, famously known as the "Thrilla in Manila;"
WHEREAS, the year 2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of Thrilla in Manila, a sporting and cultural milestone that brought global recognition to the Philippines;
WHEREAS, the success of the celebration of the 5oth Anniversary of Thrilla in Manila requires the active participation of all concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, as well as the support of local government units (LGUs) and the private sector; and
WHEREAS, Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the President the power of control over all the executive departments, bureaus and offices, and the mandate to ensure the faithful execution of laws;
NOW, THEREFORE, the following are hereby ordered:
The PSC shall lead the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Thrilla in Manila on 26-31 October 2025 and identify programs, activities, and projects for the celebration thereof.ℒαwρhi৷
All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned pr-controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all LGUs, non-government organizations, and the private sector, are hereby encouraged, to extend full support and assistance to PSC in the successful celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Thrilla in Manila.
This Circular shall take effect immediately.
DONE, in the City of Manila, this 23rd day of September, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Five.
By authority of the President:
(Sgd.) LUCAS P. BERSAMIN
Executive Secretary
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