Press Release
December 19, 2012

Creating the Philippine Boxing Commission to Strengthen Our Standing in the Sport and Ensure the Welfare of Filipino Boxers
(Sponsorship Speech of Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Martin L. Pimentel III, 18 December 2012)

Mr. President, as Chairman of the Committee on Games and Amusement, this representation humbly submits before this august Chamber for consideration Senate Bill No. 3254 under Committee Report No. 322, titled "An Act Creating the Philippine Boxing Commission Thereby Strengthening the Country's Standing in Boxing Sports, Ensuring the Welfare of Filipino Boxers and Providing Funds Therefor."

INTRODUCTION

Over the past several decades, the Philippines has produced World Class Boxing Champions such as Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire, Jr., Donnie Nietes, and Brian Viloria - just to name a few.

Their achievements in the ring show that Filipino boxers possess superior physical strength, skills, and talents which, if given the proper support of the State, will ensure these promising boxers top ranks in the world boxing arena.

While giving honor and glory to our country, Filipino boxers risk their lives and limbs in this sport. In fact, some have met their untimely death due to the lack, if not absence, of safety and emergency medical services; while others face retirement without any kind of financial assistance or access to medical care.

The sport of boxing, now under the supervision of the Games and Amusement Board, does not currently have the appropriate regulatory attention it deserves. Considering the growing popularity of this sport and the number of World Class Champions it has produced for the country, we must give due consideration to this sport and to all our professional boxers.

Hence, this proposed bill seeks to establish the Philippine Boxing Commission to focus and steer the skills and talents of the youth towards a proper direction; to provide and implement the necessary safety standards in every boxing match; and to provide and implement all necessary welfare incentives and benefits long overdue to professional boxers who have brought honor and prestige to our country.

THE SOLUTION

This proposed legislation seeks to create the Philippine Boxing Commission, in line with the declared 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 human liberation and development.

Towards this end, the State shall promote excellence in boxing sports by establishing a national agency to create a policy to set proper directions for the development and safety of professional boxers and providing for the welfare of boxers, coaches, trainers, and support to other stakeholders competing for the country.

This legislation was prepared in conjunction with the Committee on Health and Demography and the Committee on Finance, with Senators Manuel Lapid, Antonio Trillanes IV, Miriam Defensor Santiago, and Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada as my co-authors. Furthermore, this is a substitute bill which consolidates Senate Bill Nos. 33, 258, 1466, 1495, 1617, 2741 and 2906.

BOXING COMMISSION

Under the direction of the Office of the President, the Philippine Boxing Commission is tasked to promulgate national policies, implementing rules and regulations, and safety standards for the effective implementation of this proposed measure.

The objectives of the Commission, with corresponding powers and functions, include the following: establish uniform rules and procedures related to boxing; work towards developing world-class professional boxers; provide safety procedures to protect boxers from physical and financial exploitation; and provide for comprehensive health care benefits, life insurance, alternative livelihood program, and other benefits for boxers who have competed and won in international boxing events.

SAFETY STANDARDS

The Medical Advisory Board is tasked to assist and advise the Commission on issues affecting the health and safety of boxers. Its duties shall include the following: preparing and submitting appropriate standards for the physical and mental examination of boxers; advising the Commission on the physical and mental fitness of a boxer; and recommending physicians to be licensed as ringside physicians for the Commission.

Furthermore, the Board shall prepare and submit recommendations for revisions in the law necessary to protect the health and safety of boxers.

The proposed legislation also requires emergency medical services during professional boxing promotions, such as the presence of a licensed practicing physician, ambulance services, and a nearby tertiary hospital; and provides for a mandatory rest period for boxers who sustain injuries.

INCENTIVES AND BENEFITS

To promote the welfare of our professional boxers and international boxing champions, the proposed legislation seeks to require promoters to provide private insurance coverage for each professional boxing promotion; provide for health care benefits through PhilHealth and death benefits for all professional boxers; and provide for Alternative Livelihood Programs for retired and/or injured International Boxing Champions, among other benefits enumerated in the legislation.

CONCLUSION

Mr. President considering the vital role of Filipino international boxing champions in fostering patriotism and nationalism, and the need for us lawmakers to promote policies that aim to promote their holistic wellbeing, I request the expeditious approval of this measure. Salamat po.

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