Solon pushes for Philippine Boxing Commission after Pacquiao win

With Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao victory against Keith Thurman, 1-PACMAN party-list Representative Michael Romero on Sunday stressed the need for a commission that would regulate professional boxing and combat sports.

In a statement, Romero said the best way Congress and the executive branch could honor Pacquiao's win, as well as of other Filipino boxers, was to pass the Philippine Boxing Commission Act.

According to Romero, a similar bill in the 17th Congress had "intended to keep the Filipinos among the ranks of the best boxers in the world and to genuinely express the gratitude of the nation by seeing to it our boxers live in dignity when their boxing days are done."

Among the bill's objectives were the promotion and development of professional boxing and combat sports in the Philippines, and to protect the welfare of professional boxers and combatants.

Romero said his party-list was prepared to refile the measure in the 18th Congress, as its earlier version only hurdled the committee level.

"Long after the accolades and applause, this piece of legislation will honor what Manny represents: the indomitable spirit of the Filipino winning over adversities by sheer will and ability," he added. — Erwin Colcol/DVM, GMA News