Party-list wants boxing safety act passed

THE untimely death of a professional boxer in Mindanao pushed a party-list lawmaker to seek the urgent passage of House Bill 2090, to provide for health and work safety standards for professional boxers, also known as the Professional Boxing Safety Standards Act.

Ermelito Alim Jr, the Mindanao Professional Boxing Association (PBA) featherweight champion, died after successfully defending his crown in a 10-round match in Rosario, Agusan del Sur.

Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta party-list led by Representative Mark Sambar said the passage of the bill will seeks to establish and provide for the implementation of health and safety standards relating to the conduct of professional boxing matches.

"The government should do more to protect its athletes, not only in the sport of boxing but in all sports. A national sports body must be present at all times including local competitions. A single life lost is unacceptable,” said Sambar.

The 20 year old Alim is the third Filipino fighter to die this year alone due to injuries sustained inside the ring. The PBA party-list which has sworn to fight for the athletes' interests and well-being finds this string of unfortunate incidents unacceptable.

PBA's Chairman Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao has recently filed the bill creating the Philippine Boxing Commission which aims to protect the welfare of our boxers.

The PBA party-list also vows to be more vigilant in protecting the welfare and interests of the country's athletes and their families.

Boxing is one sport where Filipinos have shown a good chance of excelling and attaining prominence with, producing the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Gabriel 'Flash' Elorde among others, Sambar said.

“Boxing has and will be in the foreseeable future, a part of pinoy (Filipino) culture although considered a physically challenging sport, there is a need to safeguard their health and safety,” added Sambar in his explanatory note. (Roderick Osis)