BENGUET legislators expressed opposition to the proposed law that seeks to ban the participation of minors in competitive full-contact sports.

Members of the provincial board of Benguet passed resolution 841-2020, opposing House Bill 1526, titled "An Act Banning Minors from Full-Contact Competitive Sports."

The bill, filed by Ako Bicol representatives Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Elizaldy Co., seeks to prohibit the participation of minors in competitive full-contact sports such as boxing, mixed martial arts, jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, judo, and various forms of full-contact karate.

Vice Governor Johnny Waguis, in a statement, said they join Team Lakay and other athletes in opposing House Bill 1526 that intends to ban minors from full-contact competitive sports.

"To ban our minors from the competition is the same as banning them from engaging in sports. We stand that sports develop the character and discipline of our youth," he added.

The resolution stated banning minors from learning different kinds of combat sports at an early age will result in non-evolvement of their skills, not only physical but also mental and emotional skill when they grow and become an adult person. Hence, they will not be able to try and experience enjoying the combat sports at first hand which is very important in their self-growth.

The Provincial Board added that it opposed the passage of the bill because the best time to develop the character of children, such as self-discipline and instill this to them, is during their formidable or formative years. It said the bill will put to rest the children's chance to change and grow which starts in their younger years.

"Children should be guided in their growth to become a responsible person in the future by not restricting them to learn and be involved in combat sports at a young age," the resolution read.

The resolution cited children should be encouraged to learn martial arts as early as they can to surely develop good attitude that will eventually change the country in terms of sports competitions.