Pacquiao in new drive for Pinoy boxers, proposes Philippine boxing commission

QUEZON CITY — As he stepped up his training for his return to the ring in November 14 in Macau, fighting Congressman Emmanuel Pacquiao of Sarangani pressed his campaign for support to Filipino boxers as the country’s hope for the elusive Olympic gold.
Apart from undertaking a Manny Pacquiao boxing tournament and training, the world boxing icon filed a bill seeking to create a Philippine Boxing Commission to address the plight of Filipino boxers.

Pacquiao, who faces Brandon Rios in November, said his House Bill 59 provides for comprehensive health care benefits, alternative livelihood program, a system of life insurance, reliable death benefits, and other benefits for all boxers who competed and won in international boxing events sanctioned by the PBC.
“The PBC, which shall be directly under the administrative supervision of the Office of the President, shall set the policies and 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,” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao said the bill, to be known as the “Philippine Boxer’s Welfare Act of 2013,” will have safety procedures to protect boxers from physical and financial exploitation and will establish uniformed rules and procedures related to boxing.
Pacquiao said international Filipino boxing champions risk their lives and limbs while giving honor and glory to country through boxing.
“Some met their untimely death in the bout due to the lack, if not absence, of safety and emergency medical services, while some face retirement without any kind of financial assistance or access to medical care. Most often, we hear many of our boxing legends do not have pension benefits,” Pacquiao said.
Under the bill, the functions of the present Games and Amusement Board (GAB) as well as other entities related to boxing are to be transferred to the PBC.
The Medical Advisory Board will be created to assist and advice the Commission on issues affecting the safety and health of boxers, including medical and physical examinations before any boxing event is undertaken.
The measure seeks to provide a system of registration and licensing of boxers, referees, trainers, second, or cut-man for a boxer and other personnel necessary for the boxing sports; and to issue, suspend or revoke permits and licenses and to impose fees for the issuance of such licenses and permits to persons required to obtain the same.
The members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President to be headed by a Chairman with six members, and a Secretariat to be headed by an Executive Director.