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Monday, October 01, 2007
Davao mayor wants minors out in boxing arenas
By Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO CITY -- Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte wanted to prohibit children below 16 years old from boxing events and trainings here in the city.
A group of boxers regularly training at the Almendras Gym compound requested the mayor that lighting outside the gym be set up since trainings are done at night.
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In his television program Sunday, Duterte said training boxers at a tender age is detrimental to the welfare of the minors considering the physical rigors they will undergo especially during a bout.
"Dili maayo sa bata na pirmi maigo ang ulo (It's not good for a child to always be hit in the head). You are contributing a lot of problem. Stop it," Duterte said.
Sun.Star Davao have learned a few years back that retired professional boxers who did not make it big like Manny Pacquiao are among the regular charity patients of the Maharlika Charity Foundation Inc.
Most common ailments of boxers who are not even in their 50s are displaced retina leading to blindness, caused by constant pounding on the head.
In his reply, Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines Davao City chapter president and City Councilor Edgar Ibuyan said they have already instituted measures to regulate the entry of minors in the boxing arena here in the city.
He admitted, however, that they still have 12-year-old boxers undergoing training at their gym located at the back of the Almendras Gym.
A proposed ordinance to regulate boxing among minors was already filed before the City Council.
Committee on youth and sports development chaired by Councilor April Marie Dayap had already conducted public hearing on this regard.
Originally proposed by Councilor Karlo S. Bello, the law is aimed to ensure the safety of young boxers during training or inside the ring.
The councilor said there is a need to eliminate, lessen or prevent hazards, injuries and harmful effects of boxing while encouraging and developing their noble intention in promoting such sport.
The initial draft of the ordinance includes provisions that require trainers, coaches, owners of boxing clinics or gyms to provide the necessary safety or protective gear, vest or paraphernalia within their clinics or gyms to be utilized by their students who are minors.
Proposed penalties for violations of the ordinance is the maximum penalty as provided for under Section 458 of Republic Act 7160, an imprisonment of not exceeding one year, or fine not exceeding P5,000 or both at the discretion of the court. (Sun.Star Davao)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila. (October 1, 2007 issue)
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