ibe of

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC )
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session

“13. UCT 14
SENATE

$.No._ 1836 apes

Introduced by Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Over the past decades, the Philippines has produced world-class boxing
champions, such as Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire, Jr.,
Donnie Nietes, and Brian Viloria. The international acclaim garnered by these boxers
show that, given the proper support, our boxing athletes possess superior physical
strength, skill, and talent.

Boxing is a sport fraught with risk to the lives and limbs of its athletes. Some
boxers have met their untimely death both inside the ring or due to injuries sustained
therein. These untimely deaths are due to the lack, and sometimes absence, of sufficient
medical services to treat the injuries of boxers. It should also be noted that boxers are
prone to sustaining injuries that require long-term medical treatment. Despite this fact,
boxers face retirement without financial assistance for their medical care.

At present, boxing is regulated by the Games and Amusement Board. The broad
and overarching mandate of the GAB, however, results in an inability to sufficiently
address the specific concerns of the boxing community. During the previous Congress,
support for the creation of a separate administrative agency for the purpose of focusing
on the needs of and benefits for boxers was supported by stakeholders. Unfortunately,
there was not enough time during the previous Congress to achieve the enactment into
law of the bill entitled the Philippine Boxers’ Welfare Act of 2012.

Recognizing the continuing need to provide support for Philippine boxers, the
present measure reiterates proposals for the creation of a Board that will focus on the
needs of boxing athletes and for the provision of mandatory benefits for boxers.

SZ,

JUEL “LITO” M. LAPID
Senator

‘The passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC )
OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First lar Sessic
rst Regular Session ) 43 ott
SENATE x
. RECHIN 0 > ft
s.No. 1836

Introduced by Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid

AN ACT
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE BOXING COMMISSION,
STRENGTHENING THE COUNTRY’S COMPETITIVENESS IN BOXING AND
ENSURING THE WELFARE OF FILIPINO BOXERS THEREBY,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Philippine
Boxer’s Welfare Act of 2013”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is the policy of the State to promote
sports excellence and develop Filipino athletes into international caliber competitors
and to make available to them safety nets for the protection of their economic welfare
and well-being. As such, the State shall promote excellence in boxing sports by
establishing a national agency to create a policy to set proper directions for the
development and safety of professional boxers and providing for the welfare of boxers,
coaches, trainers, and support of other stakeholders upholding the country’s honor in

tournaments and competitions.

SEC. 3. _ Definition of Terms. ~ For purposes of this Act, the following terms
shall be defined as follows:
a. “Commission” shall refer to the Philippine Boxing Commission;
b. “Boxer registry” shall refer to any entity certified by the Philippine Boxing
Commission for the purposes of maintaining records and identification of

boxers;

Woifieg of the Se eatary



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. “License” shall refer to a document issued by the Commission authorizing a

person or entity to perform duties as a privilege connected with professional

boxing;

. “Licensee” shall refer to an individual who serves as a trainer, second, or

cutman for a boxer;

“Manager” shall refer to a person who receives compensation for service as

an agent or representative of a boxer;

“Matches” shall refer to the pairing of boxers in a contest or in a bout;

. “Matchmaker” shall refer to a person that proposes, selects, and arranges the

boxers to participate ina professional boxing promotion;

. “Permit” shall refer to a document issued by the Commission authorizing a

person or entity to hold, promote, or engage in the conduct or operation of
professional boxing;

“Professional Boxer” shall refer to any individual athlete who is paid a sum of
money and other compensation as a salary or prize money for participating in
a bout or in a professional boxing contest;

“Professional Boxing Promotion” shall refer to a boxing contest held in the
Philippines between individuals for financial compensation but shalll not refer

toa boxing contest that is regulated by an amateur sports organization;

. “Promoter” shall refer to a person or persons primarily responsible for

organizing, promoting, and producing a professional boxing promotion. The
term “promoter” does not include a hotel, casino, resort, or other commercial
establishment hosting or sponsoring a professional boxing promotion unless:
(i) the hotel, casino, resort, or other commercial establishment is primarily
responsible for organizing, promoting, and producing the promotion; and
(ii) there is no other person primarily responsible for organizing, promoting,
and producing the promotion;
“Sanctioning Organization” shall refer to an organization that sanctions
professional boxing promotions in the Philippines (i) between boxers who are
residents of different countries; or (ii) that are advertised, otherwise
promoted, or broadcast (including closed circuit television) in a country other
than the Philippines



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I. THE PHILIPPINE BOXING COMMISSION

SEC.4. Creation of the Philippine Boxing Commission, ~ There is hereby

created the Philippine Boxing Commission, hereafter to be referred to as the

Commission, which shall be directly under the administrative supervision of the Office
of the President.

SEC. 5. Objectives of the Commission. - The objectives of the Commission

are as follows:

a.
b.

To establish uniform rules and procedures related to boxing;

To set proper directions for the sports of boxing towards developing
world-class professional boxers to bring honor to the country;

To provide safety procedures to protect boxers from physical and financial
exploitation;

To provide for a comprehensive health care benefits, alternative livelihood
program, a system of life insurance, reliable death benefits, and other
benefits for all boxers who competed and won in international boxing

events sanctioned by the Commission.

SEC. 6. Powers of the Commission. ~ The Commission shall have the

following powers:

a.

‘To appoint the officers and other personnel of the Commission and fix
their compensation, allowance and other emoluments, subject to civil
service applicable law, rules, and regulations;

To suspend, dismiss, or otherwise discipline for cause any employee, or
approve or disapprove the appointment, transfer, or detail of employees,
subject to the provisions of existing laws and regulations;

To enter into contracts in furtherance of the purposes of this Act;

To acquire, use, and control any land, building, facilities, equipment,
instrument, tools, and rights required or otherwise necessary for the
accomplishment of the objectives of the Commission;

To acquire, own, possess, and dispose of any real or personal property
with the unanimous decision of the members of the Commission;

‘To accept donations, gifts, bequests, and grants;

To issue rules and regulations in pursuance of the provisions of this Act;

and



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h.

To perform any and all other acts incidental to or required by virtue of its

creation.

SEC. 7. Functions of the Commission, ~ The Commission shall have the

following functions:

a.

To formulate, initiate, plan, and implement a national policy for the
development of the sport of boxing in the country;

To maintain an integrated boxer registry for the purposes of maintaining
records and identification of boxers;

To establish a consultative mechanism which shall provide a forum for
continuing dialogue between all stakeholders in the implementation of all
laws, policies, programs, and projects relative to boxing;

To seek or request the assistance and support of any government agency,
office or instrumentality including government-owned and -controlled
corporations, local government units, as well as non-governmental
organizations or institutions in pursuance of its policies;

To establish and maintain linkages with international boxing
organizations or institutions and counterpart agencies of foreign
governments in order to facilitate and ensure the participation of Filipino
professional boxers in international boxing events;

To formulate, initiate, plan, and implement a comprehensive and
progressive health care program, alternative livelihood program, a system
of life insurance, reliable death benefits, and other benefits for all boxers
who competed and won in international boing events sanctioned by the
Commission;

To formulate and implement an insurance system through the Social
Security System (“SSS”) or private insurance companies for qualified
professional boxers;

To provide, supervise, and ensure that emergency medical personnel and
services are available in every boxing competition, whether local or
abroad;

To establish a system of registration and licensing of boxers, referees,
trainers, seconds, cutmen, and other personnel necessary or involved in a
boxing competition; and

To issue, suspend, or revoke permits, and licenses;



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To impose or collect fees for the issuance of licenses and permits to
persons required to obtain the same;

To allocate resources for the implementation of national policies related to

boxers;

m. To submit an annual report on the implementation of this Act to the
President and to the Congress; and

n. To perform such other functions as may be necessary to effectively and
efficiently cary out the provisions of this Act.

SEC.8. Membership of the Commission, ~ The Commission shall be

composed of one (1) Chairman and six (6) members, all of whom shall be appointed by

the President.

The Chairman shall be chosen on the basis of the following standards:

a.

Must have extensive experience in professional boxing activities or in a
field directly related to professional sports;

Must possess outstanding moral character or must be of recognized
integrity; and

Must possess training, experience, and qualifications relevant to the sport

of boxing.

The members shall be chosen from the following sectors:

a.
b

ao

One (1) representative from the Boxing Promoters’ Association;

One (1) representative from the Boxing Managers’ Association;

One (1) representative from the Boxing Trainers’ Association;

One (1) representative from retired professional boxers;

One (1) representative who is a lawyer and who shall serve as general
counsel: Provided, that he should possess extensive experience in litigation
or exposure to policies directly or indirectly related to professional sports;
and

One (1) representative who is a medical doctor and who shall be the head
of the Medical Advisory Board of the Commission: Provided, that he

should possess extensive experience in sports medicine.



SEC.9, Term of Office. - The term of office of the commissioners shall be
four (4) years: Provided, that any member who shall be appointed to fill a vacated
position shall only serve for the unexpired portion of the term of the member replaced:
Provided further, that any member of the Commission whose term of office has expired
shall remain in office until his successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified.
The Chairman and members of the Commission may be suspended or removed by the

President of the Philippines.

SEC. 10. The Secretariat. - The Secretariat shall be headed by an Executive
Director who shall be chosen by the Commission, and such other technical and
administrative staff as may be needed and as determined by the Commission who shall
be tasked to implement the policies and programs approved by the Commission and to
supervise all aspects of the sport of professional boxing. Their salaries, allowances, and
other emoluments shall be determined by the Commission in accordance with Civil

Service rules and other relevant and existing laws.

SEC.11. Meetings and Quorum. - The Commission shall meet regularly
once a week or more often, as the need may arise, upon the call of the Chairman or
upon the request of three (3) members of the Commission. The presence of a majority
of all the members shall be sufficient for the conduct of business.

SEC. 12. Allowances and Per Diesm,. - The Chairman of the Commission
ahslal receive a monthly allowance of Eight thousand Pesos and a per diem not to exceed
Five hundred Pesos for each meeting actually attended by him: Provided, That such
allowance and per diems shall not exceed Twelve thousand Pesos during any one
month.

The other members of the Commission shall receive a monthly commutable
allowance of Six thousand Pesos and a per diem not to exceed Five hundred Pesos for
each meeting actually attended by them: Provided, That such allowance and per diems

shall not exceed Ten thousand Pesos during any one month for each member.

Ill. SAFETY STANDARDS

SEC. 13. ‘The Medical Advisory Board. - The Medical Advisory Board assists
and advices the Commission on issues affecting the safety and health of the boxers. The



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Board’s duties include preparing and submitting to the Commission appropriate
standards for the physical and mental examination of the boxers, advising the
Commission as to the physical and mental fitness of a boxer and recommending
physicians to be licensed as ringside physicians for the Commission.

‘The Board shall prepare and submit recommendations for revisions in the law

necessary to protect the health of the boxers.

SEC.14. Physical and Medical Examination Requirements. - No person
may arrange, promote, organize, produce, or fight in a professional boxing promotion
without a physical and diagnostic examination of each boxer by an accredited and
licensed physician of the Philippine Boxing Commission, pursuant to existing rules and
regulations, certifying whether or not the boxer is physically fit to safely compete,
which shall include but not be limited to the following:

a. Chest X-ray (PA View);

b. Ophthalmological examination;

c. Neuro-psychological test;

d. Drug testing for THC (Marijuana) and Metamphetamine (Shabu);

e. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HepBsAg) - quantitative exams for all new
licensees as well as boxers returning to the professional sport who previously
exhibited positive results and qualitative exams for renewals;

f£. CT Scan of the Brain;

g. Gynecological condition result for female boxers;

h. Urinalysis;

Complete Blood Count (CBC);
j. 12leads ECG;

k. HIV test (for licensed professional boxers fighting abroad); and
1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), as may be needed, upon

recommendation of the Commission physician.

All other personnel and staff engaged in and involved in the boxing promotion
shall be subjected to such physical and medical examinations as may be determined by
the Commission. Items (a) to (i) shall be mandatory physical and medical examination
requirements, Items (j), (Kk), and (I) shall be required in cases determined by the
Commission. Expenses for the physical and medical examination, as required, shall be

for the account of the Manager.



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SEC.15. Emergency Medical Services. - A professional boxing promotion
may be held only if:

a. Alicensed practicing physician, duly registered with the Commission, whose
services are paid by the promoter is continuously present at the ringside of
the professional boxing promotion;

b. Ambulance services, including oxygen tanks and other medical personnel
equipped with appropriate resuscitation equipment continuously present on
the ringside;

c. A tertiary hospital is near the vicinity of the event: Provided, That a
Memorandum of Agreement shall be executed between the promoter of the
boxing promotion and said hospital to ensure that injured boxers shall be
attended to in their facility with dispatch.

‘Absence of the afore-mentioned requirements shall be cause for the cancellation

of the permit to hold the scheduled boxing promotion.

SEC.16. Mandatory Rest Period. - There shall be an interval between
boxing contests which shall be referred to as the mandatory rest period. The mandatory
rest period shall vary depending on the extent of damage brought about by a knockout
(KO) or technical knockout (TKO), as determined by the Commission’s Physician, based
on the last boxing promotion’s ringside physician report, which shall not be Jess than
ninety (90) days. In cases of KOs and TKOs, there shall be physical and mental
examinations to continue until one month after the event, the report of which shall be
the basis for determination of whether or not the affected boxer may still compete after
the ninety (90) day mandatory rest period. In case a boxer has received a serious
concussion, he shall not be able to compete again until he has been examined an dahas

been certified to by the Commission's physician as fit to compete again.
IV. BOXER INCENTIVES AND BENEEITS
SEC.17. Insurance. ~ ‘The Commission, in carrying out the regulation of

professional boxing promotions, shall require that promoter provide insurance

coverage, in a minimum amount of at least One hundred thousand Pesos



(Php100,000.00) for every professional boxing promotion, through a private insurance

company, to cover an injury sustained while engaged in that boxing promotion.

SEC.18. Health Care Benefits. - All professional boxers shall be enrolled in
the National Health Insurance Program (Philhealth) to enable them to receive and avail
of an adequate package of personal health services including, but not limited to, in-
patient hospital care, out-patient care, emergency and transfer services, and other
supplementary health benefits, as may be provided in the Philhealth. The cost of
premium contribution and the standard monthly contributions shall be shouldered by
the Commission.

In case of hospitalization in any government hospital or clinic, any amount in
excess of Philhealth benefit shall be shouldered by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes
Office (PCSO), provided that the boxer shall comply with the requirement for
qualification and grant of health care assistance to be extended by the PCSO consistent
with and subject to compliance with PCSO’s existing rules and guidelines.

SEC.19. Alternative Livelihood Programs for Retired and/or Injured
International Boxing Champions. - The Commission, in coordination with various
stakeholders in the boxing industry, shall establish an alternative livelihood training
progtam and referral system for retired and/or injured international boxing champions.

SEC. 20. Death Benefits. - Upon the death of a professional boxer, the
primary beneficiaries shall be entitled to a lump sum death benefit of Fifty thousand
Pesos (Php50,000.00) to cover funeral services and expenses: Provided, That if the
primary beneficiaries are absent or otherwise incapable of claiming the benefits granted
them under this Section, the secondary beneficiaries shall be entitled to the same.

SEC. 21. Retirement Benefits. ~ Professional Filipino boxers who won any
world title or championship in any international boxing competition duly sanctioned by
the recognized international sporting organization and bodies shall receive a lifetime
retirement pension of Fifteen thousand Pesos (Php15,000.00) monthly upon reaching the
age of fifty (60). Retirement benefits under this Act shall be separate and distinct from
the mandatory requirement benefits provided by existing laws.

The Commission is authorized to adjust the benefits provided in this section

based on studies, consultations, and public hearings with relevant agencies and entities.



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However, no memorandum, order, or issuance shall diminish the prescribed retirement

incentive benefits.

SEC. 22, Pension Benefits. - In the event of the death of the international
boxing champion, his legally surviving spouse shall receive the monthly pension due
him, as provided under Section 19 of this Act.

SEC.23, Educational Benefits to Children of International Boxing
Champions. - Not more than two (2) children of each international boxing champion
shall be awarded a full scholarship grant upon admission into any government-owned
school, college, university, or institution. The grant shall cover all school fees, including
tuition, library, laboratory, medical, physical education, diploma, and graduation fees.

If said champion should have more than two qualified children, the choice of
who among such children shall avail of the scholarship grant herein shall be made by
the boxer in consultation with his spouse. Should the boxer be deceased at the time of
eligibility of his children, the surviving spouse shall choose. If both the boxer and his
spouse are deceased at such time, the two eldest children who have not acquired a
college degree shall be awarded the scholarship grant provided under this Section.

V. TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 24. Appropriations, - The amount of One hundred million Pesos
(Php100,000,000.00) shall be appropriated for the initial implementation of this Act,
which shall be taken from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes office (PCSO) and the
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in equal shares.
Thereafter, such amount needed to implement this Act shall be included in the Annual
Appropriations of the Commission subject to the retention of the amount mandated
under Section 25 of this Act. The Commission is hereby authorized to re-align its
appropriations in the current year of the date of effectivity of this Act to conform with

the requirements of this Act.

SEC. 25. Boxer’s Welfare Development Trust Fund. - There shall be an
independent and separate trust fund established under this Act, to be administered by
the Commission. An amount not less than eighty percent (80%) for the first five (6)

years, accrued from the licensing, registration and accreditation fees, and fines and

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charges shall be used for the purpose of the boxer’s welfare development trust fund.
The fund shall be used for the continued upgrading of training facilities to conform
with international standards, accreditation of other forms of assistance and support to
the professional boxing sector. The trust fund may also accept grants and donations
from national and foreign entities and individuals interested in the professional boxing

development.

SEC.26. Transitory Provision. - Pending the organization of the
Commission, the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) shall continue to exercise the
duties and functions in relation to boxing sports.

Such amount under the Boxers’ Welfare Fund, under the GAB, shall then be
transferred to the Boxer’s Welfare and Development Trust Fund of the Commission and

‘will form part of the initial appropriations of the Commission.

SEC. 27. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within Ninety (90)
days from the date of effectivity of this Act, the Chairman, through a technical working
committee, and in consultation with the private sector concerned, shall promulgate the
implementing rules and regulations (IRR) necessary to effectively implement of the
provisions of this Act: Provided, That copies of the formulated rules and regulations
shall be submitted to the Committee on Games and Amusement of both Houses of
Congress: Provided, Finally that such rules and regulations shall take effect only upon

publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

SEC. 28. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive orders, rules or regulations, or parts thereof not consistent with the provisions

of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 29. Separability Clause. ~ If any part or provision of this Act shall be
held unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof which are not affected

thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 30. _Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,