Thursday, March 27, 2008 Official opposes banning of boxing from RP sports
EDUCATION Secretary Jesli Lapus is not amenable to scrapping the sport of boxing in the Philippines saying it is one of the aged-old sports where the Philippines is being recognized globally.
Boxing, Lapus pointed out, is even included in the annual "Palarong Pambansa" although it excludes the elementary students.
He said it is through boxing even at a young age do the Philippines produce the likes of World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao.
"How else do we develop world-class athletes if not from the youth," he said.
Earlier, Nueva Ecija Representative Eduardo Joson filed House Bill (HB) 3743, which may prevent Pacquiao fighting inside the ring here in the Philippines if it becomes a law banning "violent sports," like boxing.
Joson said boxing is a dangerous sport whose basic intent is to inflict physical injury on the opponent.
But Lapus thinks otherwise saying: "Boxing is an Olympic sport and has been and still is RP's best bet for medals in competitions. It is included in the Palarong Pambansa excluding the elementary level.
He also cited Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (Abap) president Raul Daza and fellow lawmaker Monico Puentebella is leading the advocacy for the promotion of boxing with the youth.
Joson cited studies showing boxing incidents that resulted permanent damage to the fighter like brain injury and sight and hearing loss and even death.
"Sometimes, a single punch does the damage," Joson said. "But in other cases, it is the overall effect of hundreds of punches over the many fights fought by the boxer throughout his career. For this reason, and in line with the policy of the state to promote sports for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry, the author hereby seeks to put a complete ban on boxing contest and or exhibition."
Joson also noted that fame and money a few successful boxers send a tempting message to the youth, especially those who belong to poor families
The bill seeks to penalize a boxer with prison correctional (six months and one day to six years) and fine of not less than P200 but not more than P6,000.
Joson said no amount of money can compensate for permanent brain damage and premature death of a boxer.
Last year, boxer Angelito Sisnorio, a native of Koronadal City, died after getting head injuries in a bout in Thailand.
Lapus, citing records from the Palaro, defended the sport of boxing among youth wherein there has been no reported incidence of boxing accidents in the Palaro games.
"The Abap supervises and manages the competition to ensure the safety and sportsmanship," he said. (AH/Sunnex)
