MANILA – Filipinos’ love for PBA great Robert “Sonny” Jaworski Sr. has never faltered and his legacy speaks for itself, said Pasig City Vice Mayor Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr.

The “Big J” was feted once more, this time with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the PBA Press Corps Annual Awards held on Tuesday at the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City.

The elder Jaworski was only the second individual to be honored so after Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu was previously hailed during the 25th anniversary of the PBAPC back in 2019.

According to Dodot, not a single day during his time in politics has passed that no one checked on his father — a testament that Pinoys, may they be a hoops fan or not, continued to love the former senator.

“I’m in politics now, I go see the people every day. Not one single day passes na walang nangangamusta sa tatay ko. Ibig ko sabihin, talagang tumatak ‘yung pangalan na Jaworski sa puso ng Pilipino and that speaks for itself,” Jaworski Jr. told reporters.

He might not be okay, but being appreciated by the Filipinos became one of the reasons why Sonny wanted to get better, said the son.

“I think that’s really what’s giving him desire to get better. We’re thankful to everyone who have been praying for his health improve and again, sana tuloy-tuloy lang ‘yung dasal. Awa ng Diyos, makasama ulit natin si Jawo,” he said.

Dodot also gave a quick update about his father.

“Nasa bahay lang siya. He’s very comfortable but of course ‘di pa rin niya nababalik ‘yung dati niyang lakas,” Jaworski Jr. said.

“But the important thing is he’s physically stronger now than he was last year. Last year, medyo mas marami siyang challenges so again, may improvement naman pero ‘di pa rin siya back to a hundred percent,” he added. “We still need your prayers kasi naniniwala naman kami na nothing is impossible basta ibigay natin sa Panginoon lahat.”

Upon receiving the news of the coveted award, the Big J said, as relayed by his son, that the Lifetime Achievement Award was a huge honor, especially it was coming from the PBA Press Corps.

“Napalaking karangalan na binigay ng PBA Press Corps sa kaniya — na malapit sa puso niya. So maraming salamat sa PBA Press Corps.”