Revilla to push for additional funds, benefits for boxing, combat sports

Sen. Bong Revilla filed a bill seeking for the provision of additional benefits and funding for professional athletes and other combat sports practitioners in the country.

Aside from basketball, boxing has a large following among local enthusiasts. It has also paved way for the country to garner international recognition, producing numerous champions who carved their own niche in the field of sports.

Many Filipinos also practice Dumog, Kali, Eskrima, Kino Mutai, Panantukan, Sikaram, Yawyan and other physical games but are not compensated well.

Revilla expressed strong sentiments for former international athletes who represented the country but ended up financially broke and physically injured until their death.

The veteran senator's bill aims to alleviate the working condition and safety of combat sports athletes by providing additional benefits and decent salary, and clarify the division of compensation the athletes and their managers/handlers, and liability of their promoters in case of any eventuality. "Sa pamamagitan ng panukalang batas na ito ay mas marami pa tayong boksingero o kahalintulad nito ang maiingganyo at gagaling pa para maging susunod na kampeon at magdadala ng karangalan sa bansa," Revilla said.

To avail of the benefits, athletes must obtain a license issued by the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission.