PASIG Rep. Robert ?Dodot? Jaworski recently filed House Bill 5069, also known as the ?Flash Elorde Boxing Reform Act of 2006? to protect Filipino boxers.
He said the measure was filed in recognition of the phenomenal heroism of boxing champions Manny Pacquiao, Boom-Boom Bautista and Bobby Paquiao.
?I hope this bill could be a humble reward of the price and honor Pacquiao and other boxers have undoubtedly brought to our country,? said Jaworski.
Jaworski?s bill seeks to protect boxers and regulate the professional boxing industry. He said the achievements of Pacquiao in the boxing ring after the triumphs of Pancho Villa, Gabriel ?Flash? Elorde and others have signaled a victorious momentum for the boxing industry.
Because of this, he said the government needs to initiate reforms especially with regards to the welfare and protection of boxers against exploitation.
?I think it is high time that the government provide safeguards to our boxers, who bring honor to the country,? said the Pasig solon.
Jaworski, a sportsman himself, is seeking under Section 6 of his bill ?that health and safety standards be implemented? for the benefit of the professional boxers.
Section 6 calls for a physical examination of each boxer by a physician who must certify that the boxers are physically fit to safely compete, an ambulance and medical personnel with appropriate resuscitation equipment to be constantly present on the site, of the boxing, a competent physician must be constantly present at the ringside, and health insurance for each boxer. Maeon Ramos Araneta
